Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Do you remember the bluesy rock shuffle of the Steve Miller Band or perhaps their '90s counterparts the Spin Doctors are more your scene. Either way, if you like that kind of thing you'll love the tight efficient groove of Texan rockers Jackson Swing. Add to the equation some uncompromising lyrics and you'll discover this band turns up the heat! On the basis that this album was recorded in four days, I'd hazard a guess that this band can really cut it live! Oh yeah, and they've got a girl drummer so how cool is that? Stand outs? There are quite a few from the straight ahead rock'n'roll of "One Fine Day" which takes off to "Mr Freeman" and "Hey" are a Spin Doctorish rifforama delight. But don't be fooled, even when they groove along on tunes like "Deepest Part Of Me' and the wonderfully titled "Liquid Messiah". There's also a laid back element which creeps into what they do. "Time Of Need", "Too Much" and the closing acoustic wonder of "Beauty Of The Road" all show that singer Brad Miles is capable of vulnerable emotional singing supported by harmonies from the others. A band who deserve greater exposure and more time in the studio next time. If this is what they're capable of with a rush job. A more leisurely recording should produce pure gold for a follow up. Rough around the edges but loadsa talent!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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