The Bellrays – Black Lightning

If doubters can get past the fact that The Bellrays are clearly not high-concept, it would be nice to think they could appreciate the sheer eagerness to rock exhibited by these Californians. Lisa Kekaula's voice is, at times, pretty astonishing and easily the match of any contemporary male rock singer. As soulful as they are gritty, her gruff tones benefit both the fast and slow songs equally yet it is on the more racy numbers where the band really comes into its own.

Indeed the eponymous opening track is about as succinct, catchy and adrenalised as a modern rock and roll band could really hope for.  Whilst that introduction does set the bar deceptively high, Black Lightning doesn't slump away by any standards. Power Stone is a pleasantly corny orgy of hooky backing vocals and adorably gormless 80s naivety, while Sun Comes Down is a textbook slice of soulful MOR pop. [Chris Cusack]