I have to confess that before this 'best of' landed in my 'in tray' I was blissfully unaware of InMe, a heavy alt hard rock band from Brentwood who have has almost as many line-ups as albums.

Ever-present throughout have been main man Dave McPherson (guitars / vocals) and drummer Simon Taylor, but the line-up has morphed through each of the band's four studio albums - Overgrown Eden (2003), White Butterfly (2005), Daydream Anonymous (2007) and Herald Moth (2009).

Emerging from the post grunge scene, the band occupy the same musical field as Biffy Clyro with a blueprint of sharp angular staccato riffs, shouty vocals and angst ridden material packed with proggy time changes.

And when the band hit the groove, as they do, for example, on Underdose - the first song the band ever released - their sheer power is guaranteed to shift even the most stubborn ear wax. But like Biffy, InMe have far more in their locker than the ability to bludgeon - All Terrain Vehicle and Thanks For Believing Me showing that they have the ability to exercise melodious restraint when the occasion requires.

Phoenix takes a snapshot from each of the band's releases and throws in three new tracks for good measure. If like me, you're not familiar with InMe Phoenix is the perfect place to start. Like me, I'm sure you'll be impressed - InMe have all the necessary credentials to be contenders for the metal crown.

****

Review by Pete Whalley