Ash @ QMU

Tim Wheeler can't sing well. He can, however, sing loud. Also, it seems, he has spent the last two years learning how to play the guitar properly. Every song in their two hour set tonight is interlaced with big-haired licks that rile the faithful. "I nearly went to this university!" he declares to a crowd of Glasgow students, who respond with mania. "But then I had a number one album!" Cocky git. Still, it's an exciting rock and roll show from the original three of the ever youthful group. An impressive lighting show creates the mood and ambience of a much bigger event, while the band's energy keeps up throughout the set. Although this is essentially a greatest hits tour which comes before the release of their forthcoming new album, a few teasers are thrown in for measure. The new material seems solid, though dare it be said, a little Muse-y? Still, the hits are in fine fettle, and it's warming to see that, despite their time on the block so far, Ash still play like they've got something to prove. [Graeme Park]