Music
Press
This group bills itself as “acoustic music with an edge.” When a band says that it has an edge, what it usually means is that it doesn’t.
This is the exception. At first, I was put off a bit by the band’s reliance on acoustic instruments, which give all their music a somewhat soft edge. But after a few listens, I found myself won over by this collection of well-written, witty songs.
Ani DiFranco taught us that you can rock with an acoustic guitar and these guys have heeded her lesson. Ashworth’s universe consists of sweet harmonies backing up acerbic lyrics.
They poke fun at self-important musicians in the song “Top Ten”: “I am a big rock star/ And I drive a fancy car/ I am popular/ Please make me popular,” Adam Nevins sings, sarcasm dripping from his voice.
As with Plain Jane, the band is at its least effective when playing the sweet love ballad. There’s nothing particularly wrong with Ashworth’s love ballads; it’s just that this vein has been strip-mined so heavily in the past by other, less sincere artists.
When Ashworth gets into a groove, it’s a finger-snapping good time. It will be interesting to see where this talented Indianapolis-based band takes its music from here. They’re off to a good start.
--Steve Hammer - NUVO
Many indie bands could take notes from them...Ashworth is definitely capable of some big time success.
--Kurt Morris - actionattackhelicopter.com
"I thought [your song, Top Ten] was the funniest crack at 'radio songs' I've heard in a long time."
--Lenny Diana, WXDX in Pittsburgh, PA Assistant Program Director/Music Director - WXDX in Pittsburgh
“I do feel that you all have good potential and hope that all will go well for you.”
--Dave Engstrom, WVUB, 91.1 Vincennes, IN WEDJ 107.1 Indianapolis IN - WVUB in Vincennes
Discography
Refine Me - 2000
Downtown - summer/fall 2006
Photos
Bio
Combining a singer/songwriter with the edge of a rock band allows ASHWORTH to capture a broad audience.
Frontman Adam Nevins describes the band's sound as "an acoustic, percussive, aggressive, slightly alternative folk-rock sound that continues to mature with time." In other words, “acoustic rock with an edge.”
ASHWORTH offers a fresh new sound, but stands on the giant influences of the Dave Matthews Band, Ani Difranco, Vertical Horizon, Steven Chapman, Goo Goo Dolls, and Over the Rhine.
Nevins has been a finalist in various song writing and artist competitions over the past few years and settled in Indianapolis last year to establish this band.
Drummer Bryan Meyers has played with All Great Minds, Danger Will Robinson and Mike Roe, to name a few, and his eclectic background inspires everything from creative samba rhythms to straight rock beats. Bassist Cory Carleton adds four fat strings of funk to thicken the band's flavour. Nathan Klatt rounds off the band with voilin, mandolin, background vocals, and a cute smile.
The goal of the band is to "create good art, to reflect [their] creative, aesthetic nature, and to accurately and artistically convey [their] worldview."
Believing that a worldview cannot be conveyed in one 4-minute song, ASHWORTH takes a more holistic approach to songwriting.
The songs often address the despair and struggles we face in life, but there is hope, as is best communicated in "Frosty Eve."
The chorus recognizes trials but reminds us of hope: "Dark and overbearing clouds may come/ But don't forget behind them shines the sun."
Whether it be playing in a coffeehouse, a bar, or any social function, ASHWORTH seeks to "be honest in [their] humanity," according to Nevins.
"We want to show the hope and life that exists despite the struggles in this world."
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