distinctiveness without totally overpowering the band's signature sound".Entertainment.ie reviewer Andrew Lynch wrote Meltdown is "by far the heaviest-sounding album they've made to date, sometimes a bit too heavy for Tim Wheeler's slightly weedy voice". He added, "for all the bulldozer riffs and ferocious guitar solos on display here, the superb melodies prove that they're still just a great pop band at heart". Mikael Wood of The Boston Phoenix said the band "punch up the guitars and drums until they threaten to drown out Wheeler’s voice altogether, and the thick, chewy distortion is a return to the days of Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins". Pitchfork contributor Jason Crock noted while the album "rock[s] harder, and with more snarl" than the band's past works, they "still can't help but reveal their melodic sweet tooth". PopMatters Adrien Begrand said the album is "slightly more consistent" than the band's previous one, highlighting Hatherley's talents as a guitarist and her vocals. The Guardian writer Steve Pill said the album is "a festival set list in waiting ... this may be the first rock album of the year you can sing in the shower and make a better hash of". Kaj Roth of Melodic wrote the band "cranked up the volume to 11 and then just rocked", and called it one of the better albums of the year as well as "one of the most fun to listen to".Meltdown'' entered the charts at number five in the UK, number five in Scotland, and number six in Ireland. It reached number 25 in Norway, number 65 in Germany, number 78 in Austria, and number 87 in Australia. The album was later certified gold in the UK, and ranked at number 173 on the UK year-end chart. "Clones" charted at number 12 in Ireland; "Orpheus" charted at number 13 in the UK, and number 17 in Ireland; and "Starcrossed" charted at number 19 in Ireland and number 22 in the UK. "Renegade Cavalcade" charted at number 22 in Ireland and number 33 in the UK. Track listing All tracks written by Tim Wheeler, except where noted. Personnel Personnel per booklet.Ash Tim Wheeler – guitar, vocals Rick McMurray – drums Mark Hamilton – bass guitar, design Charlotte Hatherley – guitar, backing vocals, pianoAdditional musicians Oli Kraus – cello (track 11)Production Nick Raskulinecz – producer, engineer Ash – co–producer Rich Costey – mixing Mike Terry – recording Claudius Mittendorfer – mix