Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Letchworth-based McAllen's CD opens with a rocker "Revolutionary" sporting an excellent guitar riff and a fun ska breakdown though all the talk of a "revolution generation rising" is a bit of a Delirious?/World Wide Message Tribe cliché today. But it's still a great start, leading into the equally bouncy "Passionate Arms". "One Chance" is a well written, gentle acoustic number with a well used string section that is subtle and not overbearing. McAllen's music fits neatly into the popular indie scene, the focus is on melody and memorable choruses and for the most part these six tracks deliver. McAllen has been gaining recognition and radio airplay and has racked up an impressive number of gigs throughout the world, both solo and with his band. Disappointingly, the CD's production is a let-down - the drums in particular sound boxy and the mixes don't do justice to the tight musicianship and the band's energy.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.