Following on from the excellent Big Life album released earlier this year on the same label, Steve Newman returns with an album under his Newman banner. Although he has a live band, in the studio it is Steve on vocals/guitar/keys with drummer Rob McEwan, although live guitarist pops up on 'If He Loves You' to add a solo.

As you'd expect from a Newman album there are some top draw melodic rock gems, none more so than 'If He Loves You' - a massive chorus and damn fine guitar solos. 'Strength To Carry On' features another lift-you-up melody, how does he keep coming up with such high quality tunes?

'Montserrat' shows a new direction, being an mini-epic with the piano building the song up nicely, before heavy riffs join in and carry the song along. Be interesting to see if Steve Newman does more songs like this in the future.

Two great albums in one year involving Steve Newman, perfect for fans of his music and those after a high quality melodic rock album.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie