Vince O'Regan has been a very busy man this year appearing on Bob Catley's latest solo album, releasing the debut album by Eden, producing Lost Weekend's new album and now this the debut release by Alibi.

On vocals is former Double Cross member Rick Chase who sings up a storm on the album. Musically it tips a nod back to 80's rock like Firehouse and Poison (Poison especially on the ballad 'Yesterday's News') and latter day melodic rock with a couple of tracks sounding like Double Cross which is hardly surprising given it's the same vocalist!

'Masquerade' and 'Who's Folloin' Who' are classy hard rock tunes with lots of keys and Van Halen styled guitar solos. 'Gabrielle' is a power ballad and reminds you of Firehouse and Winger, a definite album highlight. Only the weak opener 'Get Ready' and a rather pointless cover of Neil Young's 'Rockin' In The Free World' see the album's quality drop.

Hopefully this will be an ongoing band as this debut is more than deserving of buying for lovers of all things melodic and a follow-up album is one to look forward to.

****

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