Review: Ashley Sherlock ‘Just A Name’
By Mike O’Cull
Blues/rock guitarist and vocalist Ashley Sherlock and his skintight rhythm section vibe like a single being on his muscled-up debut album Just A Name.
Available now on Ruf Records, Just A Name is a big blast of tuneful blues-influenced rock music that puts Sherlock’s articulate fretwork and high-value voice on full display. Backed up by Charlie Rachael Kay on bass and Danny Rigg on drums, Sherlock shines on all levels and uses his talents to craft original songs with individual characters rather than indulge in the endless 12-bar slog of weaker artists. His songwriting inspiration comes from the likes of Guns N’ Roses, The Cadillac Three, Dire Straits, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jeff Buckley, a combination that makes for a fine listening experience for all lovers of classic rock sounds.
Sherlock tracked the album in his hometown of Manchester in the North of Britain at Hallam Mill, an actual vintage cotton mill, in the dead of winter. “We spent four solid days in December in the attic of this old English cotton mill, recording this album mostly live for ten hours a day,” he said. “It was freezing and we’d huddle around a small heater for warmth between takes. We had a real blast, though, and it brought us all closer, while helping us gain a mutual understanding of the songs’ context.”
Ashley has released two acclaimed EPs to date, 2019’s self-titled Ashley Sherlock and 2021’s If You’re Listening. He’s been nominated for the UK Blues Federation’s Young Blues Artist of the Year award, attained significant airplay, and spent the last year pounding the UK highways supporting the Kris Barras Band, The Quireboys, and Laurence Jones. He’s considered one of the most promising emerging talents in his part of the world and sounds primed and ready to break out everywhere else.
Just A Name opens with the dramatic hard rocker “Trouble.” Sherlock has his 70s rock attitude on lockdown, using space, attitude, and explosive energy to hold you spellbound. His wide vocal range and all-pro use of dynamics make this track feel live and right up on you. Sherlock’s guitar playing will impress, as well. He uses texture and melodic ideas more intentionally than most and he’ll keep you hanging on each note.
“I Think That She Knows” is smoldering and soulful. Sherlock’s clean, modulated guitar parts are wordlessly emotive and help the song’s build to the chorus. He uses the effect quite well but also knows when to 86 it and simply let his guitar speak.
The energized 6/8 beat of “Realise” lets Ashley and his band hit hard and show a different part of their rhythmic personality. Their pocket is absolutely huge and Sherlock’s presence on the vocal mic is somber and wise. It’s the kind of song that’s easy to get lost in, especially in headphones. Hearing the interplay of the musicians up close like that will make you feel like you’re right there in their orbit.
Sherlock’s single “Dear Elizabeth” is a sumptuous piece of rock candy, putting down a sad love tale set to a perfect radio track. Fans of 90s pop/rock will find a lot to like here, as will fans of expressive guitar work. The lyrics read like an open letter and the intimacy they reveal demonstrates Ashley’s command of songcraft. Expect to be genuinely moved. Sherlock is an outstanding guitar player but his songwriting is what sets him off from his competition. Listen once and you’ll get it.
Just A Name is a strong showing, debut record or not, and the songs on it are sure to find receptive ears wherever they go. Be sure to hang out for the deep cuts “What If I Said To You” and “Backstage Wall.” Ashley Sherlock has a bright future ahead and you definitely want to be in on it. Highly recommended.
“Realise”
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