Ash – Tokyo Blitz DVD – Prem Nazir , Adam Ayub

Recorded during their sixth visit to Japan in the autumn of 2001, Tokyo Blitz finds Ash on a high. Having pulled off a nifty career resurrection with the superb power pop of their Free All Angels album, the four piece from Northern Ireland (via London, courtesy of guitarist Charlotte) were ready to have fun after two years away from their dedicated fanbase in Tokyo. And judging by the jostling moshpit (well, bouncepit, but still a rarity at Japanese gigs), their fans were itching to enjoy themselves as well. There’s even a bout of crowd surfing during “Kung Fu”, which seems entirely fitting given the setting. Ash themselves are on fine live form, with drummer Rick dribbling his way through a typically frenetic performance (one close up you wish you’d been spared!). The direction, though, is a little sluggish, with shots from a balcony dissolving into darkness and the perspective from the photo pit failing to capture the full energy fizzing around onstage. That said, you do get right in the faces of the devotees in the front row, and for fans of buzzsaw melodic indie played with suss and confidence, there’s no better place to be. On the DVD: It’s extra features a-go-go on this DVD. A handful of mini documentaries follow the band as they tour radio stations, go shopping, visit an acupuncturist, go for a meal, hit the clubs and drink as if it’s the night before global prohibition. Four one on one interviews give some insight into what it’s like being in an affable indie pop band and there’s a good segment shot by two fans who get ready at home to see the foursome, travel to the gig, and then bounce up and down with glee. –Ian Watson