The Dunes are the latest band from Canada seeking their big break. And on the strength of Socialising With Life, they could just be about to break lucky. They're a no frills rock band, Now - opening the album with a garage rock number that the early Alice Cooper band would have been proud of.

It's a cohesive, no nonsense set. And that's what sets the dunes apart. Together for 4 years and honed by constant touring of Ontario and Eastern Canada, the Toronto four piece have a solid, big league sound. Sunflower Eyes is melodic rock of the sort delivered by U2 in their softer moments, while Hurry Up also has an early U2 sound.

Calling All Cars is classic American radio friendly rock and has 'hit single' written all over it. The Easiest has a gentle acoustic opening before swelling into a rock ballad, again with hints of U2 and Bono in the chorus.

Do It All The Time adds a heavy riff - reminiscent of Bowie circa The Man Who Sold The World - to the mix to the, while Rio Grande is another number with a great groove - a real U2 influenced grower.

The final three tracks on the album What You Wanted, Kennedy's and Lost are all up to the same high standard - anthemic choruses over rock-solid rhythms. There's not a bad track on the album. Great songs, great vocals, tight playing. It's what U2 might have sounded like if they'd started out in the 1970's.

****

Review by Pete Whalley

Now

© 2006 Curve Music. All rights reserved.

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