This album from a New Jersey four-piece is possibly out of its time. In another age, the funky rock would have sat well on the Atlantic label. Elaine Tuttle vocals on 'Take Aim' recall Lydia Pense's work with Cold Blood if you are of a certain age, otherwise she has the power and presence of Anastacia.

'Anyone Else' sounds like 'Crosstown Traffic' in the fast lane whilst 'Say Whatcha Mean' and 'Yeah Yeah' has the Anastacia vibe on vocals. 'Middle Of The Road' has a bludgeoning riff helped along by Kevin Bolembach's bass whilst 'Thank You' recalls the Sabs in the rhythm department.

The album quickly moves away from the obvious heavy rock influences (Hendrix, Zep, Purple) to a funky groove perhaps best evidenced on 'Invisible Slaves' and 'Be There Now' which has a wonderful synth stabbing riff and ends with a psychedelic flourish. And Glenn Hughes - the Funkmeister - would be proud of 'Hear Me'.

The one criticism - of what is a powerful and infectious debut - is the lack of slow-burn tracks (with the exception of 'Thank You', it's nearly all upbeat or relentlessly grinding). But if you like your rock spiced with a high funk and energy quotient, Infernophonic are worth checking out.

****

Review by David Randall