ALBUM REVIEW: Elegant power from No Hot Ashes

FOR any band releasing their début album more than three decades after they formed borders almost like a satire with Alan Partridge and Ricky Gervais starring. But No Hot Ashes are not a satirical act, no comedy lines, no knowing nods to the audience.

Because this self titled release is the real deal.

The story of its gestation is the stuff of legends. From high-flying days, to disbandment and tragedy, there are many layers to the No Hot Ashes story. But that narrative means nought if the music carries no weight.

On all 10 tracks the band have pulled something from within to produce an album that is an elegant journey of musical pleasure.

The irony is that had this been released at any other time period other than the mid-80s or right now it would have been a passing irrelevancy. But now in 2018 No Hot Ashes are right on the rock zeitgeist. Not that it is deliberate, but tunes like 'I'm Back' and opener ''Come Alive' are tailor made for an era when the teens of the 80s are grown up with older kids who are re-discovering their passion for music.

And, some of the teens of today are re-discovering the joy of what is glibly called classic rock. This album is right on the target as a classic, and essential purchase.

Eamon Nancarrow's voice has a silky, emotional timbre that captures each note, especially on the tribute to his parents' resilience 'Boulders'.

However, what is most impressive is that each song has that magical composition, seeing Niall Diver and Davey Irvine use guitar alchemy, such as on 'Over Again', little flourishes, smooth riffing and restraint to add emphasis when it breaks out.

The texture added by Tommy Dickson's keyboards, as in the intro to 'Souls' is a key element.
When it comes the rhythm work the late Paul Boyd (bass) and Steve Strange (drums) anchor everything. As Paul passed after recording his bass the album is dedicated to his memory.

From a reunion, charity appearances, over the past five years the experience of playing major festivals and prestigious support slots shows in the playing. The songs have been honed to a sharp edge.

No Hot Ashes have defied the odds, have knuckled down and done what many people could have only dreamed - they've actually realised the dream of having an album that stands out, that will stand the test of time , an album that you just want to listen to over and over again.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

No Hot Ashes is released on Frontiers s..r.l. on March 23rd

NEWS: No Hot Ashes to be joined by rocker royalty FM for album launch show in April

BELFAST'S No Hot Ashes will launch their long-awaited début album in Limelight2 on Friday, April 6th.

And, they are set to be joined by rock royalty FM, who will be playing an acoustic set.

No Hot Ashes self-titled album on Frontiers Music Srl is available on March 23rd - just months ahead of playing Download.

You can listen to the track 'Boulder' from the album - an emotional tribute to singer Eamon Nancarrow - below.

Originally formed in 1983, No Hot Ashes were influenced by UFO, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Journey, Foreigner, Thin Lizzy and other Classic Rock/AOR acts of that era. They released their first single, ‘She Drives Me Crazy’, in 1986 and supported bands such as Mama’s Boys, Magnum, Girlschool and Steve Marriott’s Packet of Three.

The group signed a record deal with GWR Records in early 1988, joining Motorhead, Girlschool and Hawkwind on that label’s roster.

They also relocated to London in order to be closer to the company and made an album before the end of that year. However, delays then occurred in getting it released and by the end of 1990 the band had called it a day and the record was shelved.

That should have been it, but in September 2013 NHA reformed for a one-off tribute gig which subsequently snowballed.

Performing what can be described as Classic Melodic Rock with a contemporary twist, they have been delighting new fans in the years since with their hook-laden guitar and keyboard driven songs, supporting Aerosmith, Foreigner, UFO and Scorpions along the way and touring the UK with FM and Romeo’s Daughter.

They have also performed at major festivals such as Hard Rock Hell AOR, Download, London Calling, Ramblin’ Man, Steelhouse, Rockingham and the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, going down a storm each time.

NHA are currently preparing to hit the road in support of what is now a very eagerly anticipated debut album, with shows already planned for late spring and summer 2018. They will appear of Download's Dogtooth stage. Download takes place at Donington Park from 8-10th June. Apparently there are some other emerging bands playing such as Guns n Roses...

Unfortunately for the group, the pleasure of releasing the album is also tinged with great sadness as founding member, bass player and close friend Paul Boyd tragically lost a brave battle with cancer in 2017. Paul appears on the album and the band are respectfully dedicating its release to his memory.

Vocalist Eamon Nancarrow said: "35 years ago we started a journey as band members and friends. We've had some incredible highs and some devastating lows. We lost Paul Boyd to cancer in January last year. He played and sang on this album. I cannot tell you how proud I am of it and him. The songs are massive, the production immense.

"The world needs this album because there is always room in life for quality. Listen and enjoy.”

‘NO HOT ASHES’
Tracklisting:
1 Come Alive
2 Good To Look Back
3 Satisfied
4 Boulders
5 I’m Back
6 Glow
7 Over Again
8 Jonny Redhead
9 Souls
10 Running Red Lights
Produced by Merv Goldsworthy and Pete Jupp
PRE-ORDER LINK
http://radi.al/NoHotAshes

NEWS UPDATE: No Hot Ashes set for March release of self-titled album and now Download slot announced

IT has been a long time coming, but No Hot Ashes now are set to release their self-titled album on Frontiers Music Srl on March 23rd - just months ahead of playing Download, a slot just announced today.

Originally formed in 1983, No Hot Ashes were influenced by UFO, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Journey, Foreigner, Thin Lizzy and other Classic Rock/AOR acts of that era. They released their first single, ‘She Drives Me Crazy’, in 1986 and supported bands such as Mama’s Boys, Magnum, Girlschool and Steve Marriott’s Packet of Three.

The group signed a record deal with GWR Records in early 1988, joining Motorhead, Girlschool and Hawkwind on that label’s roster.

They also relocated to London in order to be closer to the company and made an album before the end of that year. However, delays then occurred in getting it released and by the end of 1990 the band had called it a day and the record was shelved.

That should have been it, but in September 2013 NHA reformed for a one-off tribute gig which subsequently snowballed.

Performing what can be described as Classic Melodic Rock with a contemporary twist, they have been delighting new fans in the years since with their hook-laden guitar and keyboard driven songs, supporting Aerosmith, Foreigner, UFO and Scorpions along the way and touring the UK with FM and Romeo’s Daughter.

They have also performed at major festivals such as Hard Rock Hell AOR, Download, London Calling, Ramblin’ Man, Steelhouse, Rockingham and the Frontiers Rock Festival in Milan, going down a storm each time.

NHA are currently preparing to hit the road in support of what is now a very eagerly anticipated debut album, with shows already planned for late spring and summer 2018. They will appear of Download's Dogtooth stage. Download takes place at Donington Park from 8-10th June. Apparently there are some other emerging bands playing such as Guns n Roses...

Unfortunately for the group, the pleasure of releasing the album is also tinged with great sadness as founding member, bass player and close friend Paul Boyd tragically lost a brave battle with cancer in 2017. Paul appears on the album and the band are respectfully dedicating its release to his memory.

Vocalist Eamon Nancarrow said: "35 years ago we started a journey as band members and friends. We've had some incredible highs and some devastating lows. We lost Paul Boyd to cancer in January last year. He played and sang on this album. I cannot tell you how proud I am of it and him. The songs are massive, the production immense.

"The world needs this album because there is always room in life for quality. Listen and enjoy.”

‘NO HOT ASHES’
Tracklisting:
1 Come Alive
2 Good To Look Back
3 Satisfied
4 Boulders
5 I’m Back
6 Glow
7 Over Again
8 Jonny Redhead
9 Souls
10 Running Red Lights
Produced by Merv Goldsworthy and Pete Jupp

PRE-ORDER LINK
http://radi.al/NoHotAshes

INTERVIEW: No Hot Ashes' Eamon talks Ramblin' Man Fair and album release

WHEN No Hot Ashes got back together for a one-off in Belfast about 18 months ago there was a palpable sense of excitement to hear the melodies and rock from the 80s glory days - a sense that those who remembered those heady days could re-connect again with the vitality of that era.

Since then NHA have emerged stronger and with definite plans to plunder that desire to reinvigorate the sound that dominated yesteryear. But that's not to say that this is another act re-treading past glories - No Hot Ashes are gearing up for a 2015 full of promise and ready for all comers.

Recently announced as a main stage act for Ramblin' Man Fair festival the band could not be more delighted than when we caught up with singer Eamon Nancarrow as he effused over who they will be sharing the plaudits with.

"To be honest the line-up is superb," Eamonn said. "I mean the Scorps fer feck sake!!! Then there's Saxon and BOC. We will have completed a British tour with FM in May so it will be great to team up with them again.

"To be honest this festival really appeals to me. It's like a mixture of the old Donnington and Glastonbury. It will also be our first festival show with Dave Irvine back in the band and for many reasons this is a massive deal for us all. It's great to have him back and Niall Diver is staying on so we now have twin lead guitars and are a six piece."

 

And the setting appeals to not just the band.

 

"Kent is beautiful county and close enough to London so I'm looking forward to meeting up with some of my old Soho drinking buddies. There are a few nutters flying into Gatwick from Northern Ireland. So what's not love about this festival." Nutters from Northern Ireland...surely that's obligatory!

 

"The only thing I'm disappointed in is that we asked for our back stage rider to include vegetable roll, Tayto onion rings and a bottle of Maine attaboy but the organisers said we should send our request again in English."

 

To be fair only residents of Northern Ireland will get that reference...and perhaps a few members of the Quireboys...

 

As to who Eamon will be looking forward to seeing at Rambin' Man fair...

 

"I will checking out the Scorpions for sure. I love Saxon and won't miss them. It will be great to see Toseland we were on the same bill at last year's Download but I didn't get to see them as we had just come off stage," he said.

 

"Niall Diver  loves Dream Theatre so he will be in his element when they hit the stage. I will be else where when they are on as I find them to be, how shall I put this? Emmmmm good!!!

 

"I would love to have seen Marillion but they are playing the next day and we will be travelling to another gig which I can't talk about just yet! Oh hark at me the rock star lol!!! No seriously it's another festival where the line up hasn't been finalised but you'll be the first to hear. [We can guess that a house made of Steel may figure in that!]

 

It is fair to say that last year (2014) saw No Hot Ashes emerge, once again as serious contenders

 

"What a year!" said Eamon.  "We supported Foreigner in Belfast and Dublin. Then there was Hard Rock Hell AOR in Wales with UFO headlining.

 

"We played Download and Hard Rock Calling with Areosmith. Massive memories. But the best thing that happened was standing in front of the Prog Rock stage at HRH AOR when the Enid's singer announced to all that what was missing in modern music was 'fluff.' I kid you not. We all looked at each other and pissed ourselves laughing!!

 

"On a serious note playing to 5000 people in a packed Pepsi Max tent at Hard Rock Calling with the crowd rocking would be hard to ever beat. However, getting Dave back in the band fit and well tops that."

 

For many that would be enough to pack up the memories, and revel on the achievements. Not No Hot Ashes...

 

"We are recording in March with the album being released in May," said Eamon. "A launch party/gig is booked for 29 May at the Music Hall Empire [Belfast]."

 

And, if that wasn't enough the band are on the road with FM and Romeo's Daughter in May...

 

"We also have a few other things up our sleeves and as you know our drummer Steve Strange makes things happen so watch this space," Eamon concluded.

 

There are those that claim that hard rock and metal is dead. They're wrong, and the spirit and desire of No Hot Ashes proves that the spirit of loud guitars, melody and damn fine songs will never die.

No Hot Ashes rise Phoenix like to restore Rosetta's dreams

MANY, many years ago in the shady recesses of south-east Belfast a rock club attracted insane rockers and metallers to catch the groove of a resurgent 'scene'. For those who made the pilgrimage to the Rosetta No Hot Ashes were one of the bands who captured the vibe.

Now, in 2014, with a rock scene that is once again building momentum No Hot Ashes have risen Phoenix-like, ready once again to prove that rock 'n' roll is alive and well.

We caught up with front man Eamon Nancarrow, ahead of the Belfast date with Foreigner  and FM in April 1st at Belfast's Waterfront Hall...and hear about tour plans, festival dates and so much more...listen at the link below


Eamon - No Hot Ashes