Ash Gordon Releases SELF-TITLED DOUBLE LP
Ash Gordon I
Review By Ash Hausrath
This smashing double LP from Ash Gordon truly is something special. Ash Gordon I starts off this synchronous release with “Alright Alright Alright”—a cosmic, electronic banger that is impressively fluid and such a fitting introduction to a release that can only be summed up as fun in every sense of the word. The energy and tone this track sets is absolutely perfect and the songs that follow manage to live up to this obscenely high standard. “Good On Ya” is definitely a contender for queer song of the summer. It feels like a beachy surf rock anthem but make it camp. Ash Gordon’s music is undeniably queer on a lyrical and sonic level. It would be no surprise to see any of the number of drag queens featured on this album actually performing along to one of the tracks on this release, especially “Good On Ya”.
“I Wanna Be a DJ” comes next. For those of you who are familiar with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, imagine Columbia as a garage rock glam superstar. That is Ash Gordon on this track. It’s over-the-top, entertaining, and very bright. You can nearly see the amount of fun that went into this poppy dreamscape of a song. Following this track is the wildly impressive “Cosmic Colors” which features vocals from Trixie Mattel. This track houses a beautiful balance of harmonic vocals from Ash and Trixie that compliment each other in such a stunning matter that also provides an intense visual component that really needs to be seen—or, rather, heard—to be believed. “Cosmic Colors” is a perfect demonstration of the absolute powerhouse Ash Gordon is destined to become across genres.
This release does not let up. “Nice Personality” comes next, and it encapsulates Ash Gordon’s incredibly unique auditory blend in such a cohesive manner. While serving as an almost sonic summary of her work, it is nowhere near boring. This sounds almost like a Wet Leg inspired track with the steady vocals and energetic guitar, but it is still uniquely Ash Gordon. Up next—“Feel Like This”, which features Marty James. This song honestly feels like the soundtrack to a pride pool party. It’s wildly energetic and very light, a very nice summery blend.
Groovy bass lines follow this in “YES”. This song will make sure you are ready for whatever life has to throw at you—it’s almost like a manifestation of affirmations. Ash Gordon says you ARE ready for what’s to come as the album wraps up with “Come and Get It”, another feature, this time from Earl St. Clair. This track provides the excellent bookend to Ash Gordon I with phenomenal rhythms. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be left wanting more after this incredible album—and you’d be in luck. This is just the first half of the double release.
Ash Gordon II
Review by Jake Dillinger Weed
The second half of this release comes out swinging with “Everyone Is A Little Bit Gay” featuring Alaska Thunderfuck pulling no punches in this very 80’s influenced bop. This song is very much a dance floor song with its industrial breakdowns and upbeat tempo.
The excitement continues with “WIN/WIN” diving more into the industrial punk sound I really enjoy. This could easily have been a track on the video game Jet Set Radio Future if you’re aware of its stellar soundtrack. I love how this slows down the tracklist just a bit leading into “Viva Electric” , a very club sounding beat. Then comes in the feature by Bob the Drag Queen really spicing it up and taking the song to its climax with high pitched synths and booming bass.
“Chicka Boom Boom” changes up the pace with a much more conventional pop sound and slower tempo picking up a third of the way through. The bass lines and guitar licks really help make this song as funky as it is, complemented with the synth slides and bells. This song really shows off Ash’s ability to mix up gritty vocal effects with her otherwise clean and smooth vocals to really add flavor and depth to the performance.
Ash continues this pop sound with “Hit Different” while integrating 80’s bass rhythm and effects. The pop continues with “All I See is Gold '' with a chorus by BONAVEGA, probably the most tame sounding track on the record but still a solid listen.
“Connection” slows everything down some with lower end synths and drum heavy beats. The funky vocal distortion complimenting the cleans is what makes this song pop. The hard hitting 80’s drum effects also pick up the chorus a lot. The Album ends with the lipstick grunge rock track “I want it”. The bass lines are emphasized here going between gritty effects during the chorus and smoother sounds during the verse. It really reminds me of Blu DeTiger in its kick ass funk-rock sound. An absolute banger to end the album with.
Afterwards by both Jake and Ash
Ash Gordon I & II is definitely something you don’t want to miss, between both records there is definitely something for everyone who enjoys great music. Especially during this 80’s revival culture between Stranger Things and 80’s influenced fashion, along with pride and embracing queerness, this could not have come out at a better time. For anyone searching for a new voice to listen to, Ash Gordon is one you do not want to skip over. She is truly a force to be reckoned with on her own, and the addition of phenomenal features of contemporary drag icons including Trixie Mattel, Alaska Thunderfuck, and Bob the Drag Queen, is an exemplary demonstration of the power Ash is bringing to this scene.
Fans of anyone from Wet Leg to Blondie would probably find something on this release to fall in love with.