If you like feisty female hard rock then grab this album ASAP!

Sophia Ramos has a voice that goes from belting hard rock a la Chris Connell (just check out opener 'Black Madonna') through to a more soulful vibe on 'Shining Still'. 'Kill Your Pain' is a belting number with angry vocals and heavy guitar riffs, whilst the album closes on a more mellow note with two slower numbers 'Jon's Song' and 'Stay Here With You'.

Musically it touches blues, rock, funk and soul with the nearest vocal comparison being Sass Jordan. Blows wimps like Kelly Clarkson out of the water!

Top notch backing musicians including Steve (now in the New York Dolls) and John Conte (ex-Company Of Wolves) and session drummer Tony Beard.

This is in your face hard rock and one to play loud!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie