"Ask Me Tomorrow" Should be Remembered Today

Since the inception of Noise Is Power Music, we’ve been vocal of our love for shoegaze legends, Slowdive. Their latest album (everything is alive) received a solid review from us, while Souvlaki ranked among our 5 favorite albums from 1993. Safe to say, we have fostered our fair share of conversation concerning the presence and legacy of this band! That said, throughout it all, we have yet to discuss the brilliance of Slowdive side project, Mojave 3.

Their 1995 debut, Ask Me Tomorrow, is definitive documentation of Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead’s songwriting prowess. While Slowdive classics like Just For A Day and Souvlaki are elevated by their psychedelic mixes, Ask Me Tomorrow is more song-centric and focused by comparison. 

Accompanied by Slowdive drummer Ian McCutcheon, pianist Alan Forrester, and ex-Chapterhouse guitarist Simon Rowe, Ask Me Tomorrow was released shortly after Slowdive’s breakup following their experimental Pygmalion record. Keeping this in mind, Ask Me Tomorrow can be perceived as an attempt by Goswell & Halstead to return the focus to songcraft instead of soundscapes. This results in nine, blissfully simple and emotionally heavy tracks that will all become eventual favorites. Later Mojave 3 records see the group deeply leaning into an alt-country direction, but Ask Me Tomorrow captures the perfect balance between Slowdive’s ethereal charm and classic Western romance ballads. 

Lead single, “Love Songs on the Radio”, serves as a fantastic sampler for the sounds that are played with throughout Ask Me Tomorrow. A delicate, arpeggiated guitar finds itself entwined with an evocative pedalsteel melody, as they both effortlessly coast over the sizzle of McCutcheon’s snare. Goswell’s vocal performance is one of her best, which can be said for many of her contributions to Ask Me Tomorrow. While her vocal abilities were always present on Slowdive’s output, hearing them on clear display is a treat. Recollecting feelings of pure love, Goswell’s harmonic choices and relaxed disposition elevates “Love Songs on the Radio” to be an early highlight. Thankfully, this album keeps its momentum high with its follow-up, “Sarah”.

“Sarah” shares more in common with previously released Slowdive material, though the simplified instrumentation of Mojave 3 works greatly in highlighting the vocal interplay between Goswell and Halstead. Tracks such as “Sarah”, “Candle Song 3”, and “Where Is the Love” further prove why the pairing of their voices is essential in making this record work, while Forrester’s piano holds the core of these songs together. Look no further than our favorite track, “Tomorrow’s Taken” as proof! 

Forrester’s piano arrangement sits perfectly alongside Halstead’s acoustic contributions, serving as the perfect backdrop for Goswell to recount her longing for a lost lover. “And I think it's all I got / You've taken all I got / And I'm sorry to hold your hand / But I miss you and your life” is quite the chorus, as the apparent emotional connection to the lyric makes it all the more memorable. To us, “Tomorrow’s Taken” is an easy candidate for the strongest moment on Ask Me Tomorrow. That said, the album’s brilliant closer, “Mercy”, excels in a different light.
 
Reaching the end of the record, “Mercy” is the track that most closely resembles the “Slowdive sound”. The song’s driving rhythms, Halstead’s lead vocal, and weight of the song’s choruses are all strong attributes that successfully bring Ask Me Tomorrow to a close. While latter-half tracks such as “Pictures” and “After All” have their moments, “Mercy” is a clear highlight! 

For those looking to dive further into the songcraft of Slowdive, Ask Me Tomorrow is one of the most defined and concise projects that its members have created. It is just as essential as any of Slowdive’s more-celebrated efforts, which warrants a listen if you have yet to hear it. 

Are you familiar with Ask Me Tomorrow? If so, what are your thoughts?!