More than a mere tribute band to UFO, each member of X-UFO has played with the band (bassist Rocky Newton actually played in MSG but that's good enough for me!!) and has a strong musical pedigree to match. Recorded during some of the band's 2011 European shows 'Vol.1: The Live Files!' captures the band exactly as they sound (if you haven't yet had the chance to see them, do - it is a guaranteed good night out), and features some of UFO's biggest hits.

The album is pretty much the same show that I saw in December and sounds as big, raw and energetic as you would expect. Laurence Archer's guitar playing is perfect for the band with the vocals of Danny Peyronel slotting alongside them to create a musical partnership that, along with the solid rhythm section of drummer Clive Edwards and the afore mentioned Rocky Newton, create a real live alternative to the current incarnation of UFO.

Highlights amongst the albums 13 tracks include 'Lights Out', 'Doctor Doctor', 'Only You Can Rock Me', 'Rock Bottom', 'Love To Love'- complete with some awesome piano work, 'Can You Roll Her' and 'Natural Thing'. Fans of UFO will not be surprised by this as, let's face it, this is what we want to hear.

X-UFO are clearly here to stay and there are plans afoot to enter the studio shortly to record some new original material, alongside re-workings of some previously overlooked UFO tracks that remain popular amongst fans.

X-UFO are highly recommended live, as you will hear on 'Vol.1: The Live Files!'.

*****

Review by Nikk Gunns