This column always tries to give you a nice slice of what is out there; with a good variety of new and old stuff. This week we try to keep up this task. While all of the bands are hard rock, their approach is quite varied.

CD Reviews

Animal Alpha - You Pay for the Whole Seat...

This lot most closely reminds me of another gothy punky heavy rock band called Die So Fluid. And it's not just because of the female singer and her range. Its got that oddles of attitude and in-yer-face quality to it that is quite endearing. From the opening title "Bundy" this puppy does not let up. So often bands try this sort of music and get it so wrong.

AA do it so well that you just have to listen. I bet they kick it live and put on one hell of a show. A great CD to kick out the cooties when you are feeling a bit blah. Gets better with every listen. DSF/AA tour of the UK perchance?

Casket Salesman - Sleeping Giants

Despite the name, this lot are not a goth band of any sort. They are more a mainstream heavy rock band with a poppy age. Two members of the screamo lot A Static Lullaby are on this CD, but rest assured this is not screamo or anything close. It's indie tinged hard rock that twists and turns with just enough frequency to keep it interesting. There are times when the band sound a bit Stone Temple Pilots. There is even a hint of the Cure hiding in there. They are very much a band that has been influenced by the indie-pop of the 80s. I suspect this lot would go down a treat on the UK scene.

There is no faulting the quality on this release, whether or not its your cup of tea.

To-Mera - Delusions

I heard good things about this CD from various sources. Not one of them did it justice. Imagine if you will: power metal jazz or is that jazz power metal. It's the most bizarre thing that should not work, but it does so beautifully; especially when combined with the stunning female vocals that abound. The closest thing I can think of is Testament at its fusion. To-Mera really take the concept power metal and does something unique with it. Now will the jazz interludes and fills suit everyone? Probably not, to be honest. It's just so nice to see someone taking the power metal concept and doing something original.