House Of Shakira return with their fifth studio album and one that marks ten years since their classic debut album 'Lint' was released. The album title comes from the band's renewed energy and the fact that this album, like 'Lint' sees the band writing together.

After the brief intro 'Retox', 'Small Town' rips in with a classic piece of HOS hard rock - big melodies and guitars. Next up 'No Faith' is quite possibly one of the heaviest tunes they have recorded so far, with the band really putting the guitars to the fore yet not drowning out their distinctive melodic vocal harmonies. Next up the song of the album for me, the pop rock 'Crazy But No Fool' which stands up to anything on 'Lint' which is no mean feat. 'High Above' and 'Red Alert' both see the band produce classy AOR/melodic rock tunes with again the band's attention to vocal melodies and guitars shining through the music.

'Bloodline' is another good song and sounding not unlike Queen in places! This is prime time arena rock and one you just want to hear performed live. The only real slow burner on here is 'Turkish Nights' which hints at Journey and you could easily imagine Steve Perry singing this one. Vocalist Andreas Eklund again puts in some wonderful vocal performances throughout the album.

HOS have done it again, another classy melodic rock album that will please long term fans as well as hopefully pulling in some new ones, especially as they have pushed the guitar sound up the mix to produce some heavier songs. They never disappoint and this is their best release since 'Lint'.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

Interview

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