I first heard this band on Powercast Radio (www.powercastradio.com). Blown away by their sound I quickly clicked their band link to discover they are four regular guys with above average talent. Every song they recorded is top notch material without a hint of any wimpy filler tracks.

Ashland Court is Marshall Williams (lead vocals, guitar), Gerri Riggs (lead guitar, vocals), Chaz Darby (bass. vocals) and Turbo (drums, vocals).

The band delivers a never ending cache of brilliant guitar and bass riffs along with powerful percussion. Five phenominal original rock songs produced by Scott Enns and Ashland Court released May 26, 2006. Rock fans will really dig the rhythm of all their material along with outstanding vocal performances and harmonies. With a nod to the arena rock bands of the past that paved the way for today's exciting sound and stage show, Ashland Court delivers.

"Hell's Sweet Hands" is the opening track that takes you on a rocket ride straight into the stratosphere. Marshall Williams is a bonafide rock singer and you could only imagine his musical influences growing up. With it's catchy beat and rhythm from start to finish, you can't help but move something while this song is cranked through your speakers. "Hell's Sweet Hands" has winner written all over it and will be the one to take them to the next level.

Up next is another rocker titled "Take Away". Great drumming on toms and bass drum from Turbo along with cutting edge guitars hitting all the right chords with me. This song delivers a slick guitar solo that has me a heartbeat away from providing an air guitar show.

Midway through the EP "Bleeding Blind" takes a slight dip to mid-tempo but continues to echo the distinctive Ashland Court sound. Almost dark, the song sheds more light on the amazing guitar playing of Gerri Riggs.

Up next is an addictive number that I hope you enjoy as much as me. The chorus riding along Chaz Darby's pulsating bass lines of  "Beneficial Tragedy" has a clever lyrical stanza:

...but now that you're gone
I'm feeling so free
I thought I was wrong
I thought it was me
so glad you're gone my beneficial tragedy...

Haha, sweet! I now know I have a certified blackheart as I hear that as one hell of a great love song.

The final song on Ashland Court's debut recording is "Fine". Everything is more than fine for this Central Canadian band who dispense a thunderous barrage of sounds anywhere from powerful chords to simply skimming the frets.

Booking should never be a problem for Ashland Court; they offer such a rich musical atmosphere which is a pleaser for fans, bar owners to stadium managers alike.

Mindy Maygan, the keyboardist from Lydia (Gilbert, Arizona) is the exciting cover model. So what more would you want? Oh, a copy of Ashland Court's cd; visit their website today and they'll get you looked after. Highly recommended.

www.ashlandcourt.ca
www.myspace.com/ashlandcourt

Chris White