A truly sensational album.

High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire may not be the rock and roll capital of the world or indeed Britain (it was pretty cool when I lived there in the mid 60s – Reviews Ed), but you’d be forgiven for thinking it was once you’ve had time to digest the finer points of this album, for ‘Bones’ must surely rank as one of the finest British rock albums of all time. Indeed although its predecessor, 2010’s ‘All Our Kings Are Dead’, possessed an urgent vibrancy it had an inherent naivety, rawness and lack of true polish. The band seemed to be forever playing second fiddle to the brand of Welsh rock lead formidably by Lost Prophets.

‘Bones’ is a massive step up in both production and songwriting quality. Producer Dan Weller (SiK Th) must take some of the credit for this, not only for the commercial edge but also for pushing vocalist Gustav Woods to reach his full potential. Songs like the superb first single ‘Learn My Lesson’ resonate with class and hooks, whilst the commercial hard rock of ‘Dearly Departed’ or the dynamic title track hint that the band has clearly thought much harder about song structures during the writing process. ‘Towers (On My Own Way)’ shows appreciation of the previous album without plagiarizing it, whilst the pacey ‘Brother in Arms’ is as good a hard rock song that you are likely to hear this year. In all honesty it’s difficult to pick a poor song on offer amongst the veritable smorgasbord of classy hard rock on offer; even album closer ‘Broadfields’- a strangely downbeat end to an otherwise punchy album-has enough going for it to leave the album largely unspoiled.

‘Bones’ is a truly sensational album that could see the band gain popularity not only in their home country but also over on the other side of the pond…America would love them!

Mike Newdeck