It's spring again, and this uplifting little masterpiece may just be the perfect soundtrack for it: Looks Like You've Already Won (MA 64) - the long awaited second album from Boston's pop duo Ashby, following up their critically acclaimed 2001 debut Power Ballads ("Luxurious, intelligent pop" - Q Magazine).

Ashby have expanded their sound quite significantly - with intricate multi-layered arrangements, a shimmering widescreen production and great contributions from an array of guest musicians, incl. Brazilian arranger Zé Luis (Bebel Gilberto, Brazilian Girls). The album's ten tracks were recorded in Boston, New York City and Los Angeles.

Richly layered horn arrangements are a trademark throughout the album courtesy of New York City wunderkind arranger Jeremy Adelman. The atmospheric instrumentation is offset by hard hitting funky drums played by multi-instrumentalist Bill Cowie, one half of the duo. The icing on the cake is Evelyn Pope's pure, understated and floating voice that somehow manages to sound light and deep at the same time.

And Ashby's greatest signature are, of course, still simply beautiful melodies.

Check it out, folks! And you've already won...

Go to http://www.marina.com/ma64.htm for further details and soundfiles.

And this is what the critics said about Ashby:

"Lush rococo arrangements, echoes of Saint Etienne and 'Moon Safari'- Air - a Tony Hatch and Jackie Trent for grown-up indie vets. 4/5." (MOJO, 8/05)

"Stevie Wonder-ish, lovely choruses ­ Ashby aren't the only band with a diverse set of 60s references, but their writing and arranging shows unusual finesse. Ashby do what some other people have done - but better." (The Boston Phoenix, 7/05)

"Ashby is the place where you go when you're sick of crap pop. Chic magic." (i-D, 2/02)

"For those who love warm, lush, eccentric pop, Ashby may be the discovery of the year." (Billboard, 2/02)

"Utterly brilliant. The sound of perfection. Beautiful, incredible and essential." (Virgin.net, 12/01)

Band website: http://www.ashbymusic.com

Ashby: Evelyn Pope and Bill Cowie

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