No frills, no gimmicks, just quality rock music.

Halestorm is anything but a lazy band. Since the debut full length album back in 2009 they have toured constantly, with the likes of Theory Of A Deadman, Disturbed and Shinedown, released a 6 track EP of covers and have written over 50 songs in preparation for album number 2. From these 50 songs 17 were eventually tracked and 12 of these are included on 'The Strange Case Of.....'. I have been championing the Halestorm cause since the debut and my opinions have merely been compounded after living with this new CD constantly for the last couple of weeks.

Considering the ages of Lzzy, Arejay, Joe and Josh it is testament to the ability of each, in terms of both song-writing and performance, they can come up with something of this quality. Also enlisting the services of Howard Benson once more has proved a prudent move as his experience in moulding the sound, without dominating a band's identity, is such an important factor in how songs will eventually impact.

'Love Bites', which is the first single and also opens proceedings, could possibly be one of the heaviest and fastest songs Halestorm have recorded but the hook and melodies are still firmly in place. Energy and passion are a feature of the first four tracks, each containing a chorus that will blaze a trail through the subconscious. There is an anthemic feel to the whole album and I imagine that each song will take on an extra dynamic in the live environment which is surely where they can be fully appreciated. If I have a criticism it is only a small one and relates to the album's overall pacing. Following such a barnstorming introduction to the CD tracks 5, 6 and 7 all have a ballad like structure and though the combustive qualities still prevail the melancholic attitude could have had a greater resonance had their placement on the CD been different. Having said that 'Beautiful With You', 'In Your Room' and especially 'Break In', where Lzzy's performance leaves her vocally naked, exude such emotion that they could bring a lump to the throat of the toughest and drop jaws with their intimate power. Still anthemic but with the subtlety of a romantic candle-lit dinner for two or those moments alone when sentiment invades the senses, if these songs were given to the likes of Pink, Katie Perry or Kelly Clarkson the plaudits would be endless and we'd be talking 'HIT'. The pace then picks up again at the back end of the CD where 'Rock Show', 'Daughters Of Darkness' and 'You Call Me A Bitch Like It's A Bad Thing' all hit between the eyes and once again demonstrate an addictively mature writing ethic.

The performances, writing and production are all merits intrinsic in determining how recorded work will be judged and 'The Strange Case Of......' exhibits each in spades. No frills, no gimmicks, just quality rock music!

Dave Bott