This is the much anticipated first solo material by ex Mostly Autumn vocalist Heather Findlay.

Titled The Phoenix Suite it is a five track EP of new material all written by Heather and produced and engineered by her former Mostly Autumn colleague Chris Johnson, who also performs on guitar, and vocals.

The striking sleeve artwork is from an original painting by accomplished artist Heather entitled 'Phoenix' and for the very special limited edition of 100 the original painting was cut into squares and used as the sleeve, Heather also included hand written track listings, signed the booklet individually and it arrived wrapped in black cellophane with a stamped wax seal - surely the definitive special edition.

The music is in the main a departure from her work with Mostly Autumn with for me only one number having echoes of that great band, first up 'Red Dust' which after a gentle intro turns into a powerful fast paced number with plenty of guitar work and a catchy chorus.

The strongest track for me is 'Phoenix' a true classic in the making, slow burning and haunting but with dramatic tempo changes, highlights in this number the subtle percussion work and an outstanding vocal performance by Heather.

'Cellophane' has an up-tempo quirky feel to it with excellent vocal harmonies and is a real foot tapper, next the track with at times a Mostly Autumn feel, 'Seven' a beautiful piece of music that really flows along with my favourite guitar riff on the EP, and finally the atmospheric 'Mona Lisa', which reminds me a little of possibly Shakespeare's Sisters darker moments.

I am really impressed with The Phoenix Suite and it is so obvious listening to it that Heather has put her heart and soul into this project, she has a top draw collection of musicians working alongside her, Heather's voice as always magnificent and Chris Johnson has done a fabulous production job, 'The Phoenix Suite' sounds fantastic from start to finish.

I am sure all mostly Autumn fans will buy this release and the quality is up there with that great band, I also recommend to anyone who likes quality rock music, one of the best female voices in British rock is well and truly back, I cannot wait to see The Phoenix come to life on the stage.

****

Review by Andrew Lock