Jaded Sun - Gypsy Trip

Gypsy Trip, the debut album by Irish classic rockers Jaded Sun, has been five years in the making. It sounds, however, like it was more like 30. All the great Cclassic rock touchstones are revisited here, from Led Zep, Aerosmith, and AC/DC, to the likes of Thunder and Black Foot. The production is first rate, the band can most certainly play, and vocalist John Maher has a great rock voice. Whilst the sheer energy of the opening tracks manages to gloss over the dated style, it isn't long before it all sounds a touch tame. When the band try their hand at something more modern, like on the bouncing Fever, they succeed in being a great rock outfit. Too often, however, they fall back on Angus Young style riffs to cross the void of creativity. Unless you miss the glory days of big hair, denim jackets and guys with medallions, this probably isn't for you. [Neal Parsons]