A band formed by guitarist Alan Cotton and vocalist Robert Soeterboek (Ayreon/Wicked Sensation) backed up by Reynold 'Butch' Carlson (Driver/Rob Rock) on drums, bassist Mike Davies (Halford) and keyboards player Joost van Brock (After Forever). Despite many of the band members previously appearing in metal/progressive metal bands the Cotton Soeterboek Band play classic hard rock with a blues meets southern rock feel.

Two bands spring to mind instantly after hearing the superb opener 'Set Me Free' - Molly Hatchett and Lynyrd Skynyrd and vocally Robert Soeterboek reminds me of Charlie Huhn (Ted Nugent/Deadringer).

The title track rocks out nicely with neat guitar and keyboard interplay. The band can take it down a notch as they do on the very Skynyrd like 'Leave Me Blue', again featuring the enjoyable use of piano and guitar. 'Colorado' is a lovely song peppered with classy harmonies on the chorus and perfect for a sunny summer's day (should we ever get one here in the UK again!).

For heads down no-nonsense boogie look no further than 'Little Sister' or 'The Game'. Only one little quibble it would have been nice to have a longer, epic song but hopefully the band have their own 'Freebird' or 'The Fall Of The Peacemakers' lined-up for their next album.

An excellent debut album for lovers of southern rock and those classic 70's bands like Bad Company and Deep Purple. There are many great albums released this year but do try and get this one as it is too good to become an ‘undiscovered gem’ in years to come.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie