Malta is not a country you naturally think of for rock acts (although as any Stoke City supporter knows our manager Tony Pulis is half Maltese!) but that could all change with Fire. Taking their nod from bands like Y&T, Whitesnake, Gotthard and Pretty Maids, Fire have produced an album full of quality hard rock tunes with just the right amount of lighter-in-the-air-moments like 'No More Pain', with its blues refrain. 'Back Home' sees a keyboard intro circa Whitesnake's '1987' album and the song could be Whitesnake as it has a bluesy backing and some tasty Hammond organ touches (not sure who plays keyboards on the album but they do a fine job throughout adding to the overall sound).

The title track and 'Come With Me' are both rock tunes bands like Firehouse and Gotthard would love to record I am sure. 'Hollywood' has that 80's Sunset Strip feel and would be perfect for a summer's day. 'Lost Without You' is my personal favourate track on the album for two reasons, the strong chorus and a massive riff that could steamroller Tarmac!

For a band's second album Fire have already set themselves ahead of many contempories and with a decent push and some airplay they deserve success. Mind you the cover should grab most people's attention...

****

Review by Jason Ritchie