Formed in 2000 this Spanish based band consists of Bernardo Llobregat (guitar), Jose De La Banda (bass), Oscar Perez (drums), Fran Rodriguez (keys) and Patricia Tapia (vocals). The style of music ranges from AOR to melodic rock and even hints of bands like Karnataka and Quecia. In vocalist Patricia Tapia they have a real find, as she tackles both rockers and ballads with ease.

Opener ‘Arches of Faith’ aptly illustrates all that is good about this band. Catchy hookline, swirling keyboards, tight rhythm section, some soaring guitar solos and of course the vocals, which are ably supported by a fine backing harmonies. ‘Get Fire’ is real foot stomper, from its catchy chorus to the heavy guitar riffs - simply superb! (Can you tell I like the album yet?) Mellower moments come in the shape of ‘One More Day’, with simple piano and percussion backing a soulful vocal by Patricia. ‘Good Times Come’ is a classic slice of AOR a la Heart. ‘If You Could Read My Mind’ is like Karnataka/Quecia, in that it is quality rock music and catchy to boot!

For those waiting for new Heart album get a copy of this debut album by Nexx, a more classy and catchy set of tunes you will be hard pushed to find this year, or indeed any year!

Related>> Rising Stars

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Review by Jason Ritchie