The Alarm celebrate thirty years together with a tour and a new album, albeit reworkings of previously released songs that may have 'slipped through the net'. These days only Mike Peters remains from the original line-up and the band include former Sisters Of Mercy bass player Craig Adams.

'Unbreak The Promise' starts the album off in style as it features Alarm fans from around the world joining in to form an Alarm choir. The Alarm, like other bands operating outside of the mainstream such as the Levellers, have a large and loyal fanbase, are perfect for an idea like this.

There are a couple of stirring anthems which are a trademark of the Alarm, of which 'The Rock' is up there with the bands 80's classics. It builds slowly and by the end you will be joining in. 'Peace Agreement' will also hang around in your head long after the song has finished playing.

'Fade In Fade Out Fade Away', co-written with the Cult's Billy Duffy, hits the spot with a strong lyric backed by an equally strong tune. Mike Peters vocals are always a focal point but interestingly this album has a more subdued vibe musically, many songs relying on acoustic guitar and the band use some Hammond organ to great effect.

Despite it being thirty years since they started out the Alarm and specifically Mike Peters, are as strong as ever and this album continues a long line of quality music from the band.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie