If ever the term 'soundtrack to the summer' was appropriate for an album, it must be for Ash's fourth offering, Meltdown.

Even the title suggests searing temperatures, and it seemed like fate that I should be listening to it in the midst of the recent heat wave.

The first, and arguably finest, single 'Orpheus' takes its name from a legendary musician whose music had the power to move inanimate objects.

This song's lively chorus could force even the most lead-weighted of feet into a reluctant shuffle.

Ash purists will be glad to know the band do not deviate far from their trademark guitar-based 'pop prozac'.

The dreaded filler-factor is kept to a minimum, with just two or three songs allowing you the opportunity to fetch a lager from the fridge.

Evil Eye, Star-crossed, and the squealing solo on Renegade Cavalcade typify the vibe of the album: turn the volume up, wind the window down and play the steering wheel air drums with pride.

CS