ACT are back on a new label after their last label Atenzia folded and with Inside Out they should get the promotion they deserve. This album is an album of two halves with tracks one through to ten stand alone songs whilst track eleven onwards forms part of a themed piece based on Joanna a young woman desperate to have a child.

This latter theme is tackled well b y the band and in their usual way they cross many genres and references to fellow bands like Supertramp, Rush and Dream Theater plus their own unique sound. Vocalist Herman Saming really can hit the high notes with ease and has a very melodious voice ideally suited to the band's music and lyrics. Of the stand alone tracks 'Call In Dead' recalls the sheer pomp of classic Queen, whilst 'Out Of Ideas' gives Rush a run for their money.

ACT are a band very hard to pigeon hole and they are all the more better for this, although of course it can work against a band as retailers and marketers love a label. ACT are worthy of place in any self-respecting rock music fans collection.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly