Bob Mould has what they call 'pedigree'. And we're not talking dog food. Guitarist and founder member of late 70's punk / alternative rock band Husker Du, and after the band slit he immersed himself in his own wall of sound brand of guitar based angst.

But the trip didn't end there, with the forming of the more radio friendly Sugar and sojourns into acoustic sets, elctronica, DJ-ing, and professional wrestling (scriptwriting, if not riding the punches).

So a multi talented man and not one for being pigeon holed, so what of his latest album District Line? Well, for the educated rock fan who likes a little meat on the bone, but served with melody and craftsmanship, it's a welcome return to form.

It's classic American rock - somewhere between REM and The Band and but with the balls of Nickelback. Brendan Canty's (Fugazi) drumming provides the perfect foil to Mould's guitar riffs, while Amy Domingues cello the spaces. Bob does the rest - guitar , bass, keyboards and percussion - and between them they produce a hugely impressive sound.

This is not a man going through the motions. District Line is the real deal and should be explored by anyone who likes their guitar rock served with panache and hair-raising emotion.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley