US release + tour: big things ahead for Ash

Ash are feeling suitably chuffed with themselves this week after becoming the first band to feature on a Star Wars-related project.

LucasArts have selected 'Clones' as the theme to the Republic Commando videogame, which hits the racks in March and is tipped to be one of 2005's best-sellers.

March also sees the song's parent album, Meltdown, receiving its US release through the Record Collection label who are thoughtfully including exclusive bonus tracks and DVD footage.

Tim Wheeler is looking forward to the challenges presented by the accompanying tour.

"We've built up a great live fan base out there, but never really crossed over onto radio or MTV," he reflects. "I think this record is the right record for that. We'll just keep persevering, which is how we see a lot of bands doing it. I think The Clash took about thirteen tours before they made it."

Kicking off on March 9 at the Philadelphia Theater of the Living Arts, the trek takes in 19 towns before ending up at the Toronto Opera House. Support throughout is provided by hotly tipped US punk-funkers The Bravery.