This is one military arm even I’ll sign up for.

Your Army is a female fronted heavy rock band from Brighton that I haven’t previously encountered but it seems they have been pretty busy. They formed in 2009 and released an EP in 2010 as well as headlining the Isle Of Wight Festival Unsigned Stage in both years. Your Army were eventually spotted by Skunk Anansie guitarist Ace who assisted getting them a record deal and was also responsible for producing this debut effort.

The album is nicely presented with twelve tracks lasting forty minutes. ‘Ignite’ is fast and frantic right from the off with the closer being the only mellower song. The album kicks off with ‘No Regret’ which is a good example of the bands guitar driven bombastic style. The guitar progression fires throughout leading to a shouted punchy chorus. Their first single ‘One Last Time’ has a softer, quick fire progression that chunters through the verse along with some wailed raspy vocals. The chorus is a catchy one with heavier axe work and some nice held notes. ‘Dance’ was one of my favourites and an upbeat little number with a good groove about it. The striking chorus was uplifting and put a smile on my face. Near the end comes a song of two sides in ‘Throw Up Your Flag’. The opening and verses consists of this light and breezy melody on the guitar as the percussion hammers away. The chorus sees the six string turn on the crunch with more guts to the lyrics. I really like ‘Dance’ but my overall favourite is ’10 Seconds’. A revolving composition on the six string swirls round the verse whilst Lucy Caffrey goes for a more growled like expression on her vocals. The chorus sees the guitar on full overdrive and firing out a fabulous riff as the vocals take on a roared approach.

This is an excellent, high octane and boisterous debut from Your Army. In terms of style, this is very much modern heavy rock with a certain originality to it. There’s no direct comparison I can think of but possibly a less metalled Halestorm or a more mature Blink 182/Avril Lavigne. Caffrey is an excellent rock vocalist and gives this album real life through her singing. She has a crystal clear voice but adds a little scowl and roar on the heavier songs as well as a softer edge to the mellower moments. Christopher Skelly comes across as good guitarist who showcases several different approaches through the album. It will come as no surprise, with such an established name at the helm, that the production it pitched perfectly.

I really like ‘Ignite’ but as good as it is I can see it might not appeal to everyone. The up to date style may not work for our readers that prefer more classic sounding rock or metal. But if you have a propensity for enjoying more modern material then Your Army is a belter. This is one military arm even I’ll sign up for.

Dave Scott