When guitarist Charlotte Hatherley first joined Ash six years ago, many wondered if a London indie-chick could really fit in with a group of Downpatrick schoolboys. Now, of course, it's impossible to imagine the band without her - and thankfully for fans, this solo effort is merely a side-project rather than a sign that she wants to strike out on her own. Grey Will Fade has the same punk-pop sensibility that made Free All Angels such a huge hit, and there's more than enough catchy hooks here to make this an enjoyable listen. The main problem is with Hatherley's rather weedy voice, the weakness of which becomes just a little too apparent over the course of an entire album. There's no doubt that she's a talented songwriter - but maybe in future she should swallow her pride and get Tim Wheeler to sing them.
