A covers band from Crewe, the rock covers capital of North West England, The P.L.O.T are attempting to break out of the straitjacket. And they just might succeed.

A three-piece they've trod the boards in the service of their classic rock heroes for several years. This debut wraps up all those influences in a powerful affirmation of old school rock. Ozzy (Zakk period - listen to the nine-minute Take It Out On You), The Sabs and Purple are all there in spirit, but Howie G, Lyndon Edwards and John Mason have managed to stamp their own mark.

Howie even throws in a guitar instrumental, the Vai-esque 'Flick My Bean' and a rather good mid-tempo 'No One's Son' which is perhaps the album standout and in the hands of David Coverdale - a la 'Looking For Love' - would be a sure-fire winner.

It has always intrigued me why there is such a thriving after-market for seventies rock band tributes. Maybe The P.L.O.T. (don't ask what it stands for, their myspace address is not exactly intuitive) can buck this trend, and make the seamless transition from copyists to contenders.

***½

Review by David Randall