Reviewed by Russell Hughes

It doesn't take a genius to work out where the influences have come from. Dire Straits, Chris Rea with some numbers from this hard-gigging Nottingham band sounding remarkably like Sniff and the Tears (if you remember them). OK it's good news/bad news time. Bad news first. This album has a lot of good ideas that haven't quite made it, a real shame because some of these songs have a lot of potential. The album starts with an ethereal moody guitar solo backed by birds singing - very similar to a Pink Floyd intro. The actual song "Pictures Of You" is nice enough but the piano sounds like it's been borrowed from a local pub. Highspots for me on the album are "Nikki", a song about a girl who sold out to the world's values when it comes to relationships, "Love That Lasts Forever" a song dealing with the problem of a girl who wants more that a platonic relationship with a guy and gets hurt in the process, "Still Love You" and Heart Of It AN". These guys obviously want to do the best they can, but this album falls short of production clout which could turn good ideas into great music. There were so many strengths that could have been built upon - like the excellent backing vocalists and guitar harmonies. But before you think I'm discounting this album let's give you the good news. Rue Randall has got a great voice, can compose a mean hook and has assembled some great musicians around him. I think Solid Air could go a long way - but not with this album.

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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