Just so you know, a Skuffle Box is an old cheap Peruvian drum that has inspired the concept of this band. Formed by two musicians who met whilst playing in the 'Cats' musical in London, they hit upon the idea of legendary rock songs played totally unplugged - but with the Skuffle Box, of course.

These iconic songs are so well played that you almost forget it is all acoustic. It has the effect of exposing the true quality of the actual pieces from the openers 'Paranoid', 'Since You've Been Gone' and 'Back In Black' to 'Feel Like Making Love' and 'Pinball Wizard'. Vocalist Sean Kingsley is particularly impressive and handles all these songs and vocal styles with ease.

Most songs stick fairly closely to the plot although I liked 'Black Dog' with its flute-infected melody sounding like something from a Man From Uncle movie c.1966. 'Come Together' and 'All Right Now' feature the great Kuljit Bhamra on tabla.

This album should be brandished 'predictable' and 'cheesy' but the sheer energy and quality of musicianship really lifts it. A novelty album perhaps but one that's worthy of your attention.

***½

Review by David Randall