The Rain Band - 'The Rain Band' (Temptation) Released 21/07/03

Sometimes you play a new album then just put it on the shelf - not this one, this is infectious! Containing all the single releases to date, 'Fists Of Fury', 'The World Is Ours', 'Easy Rider' and current release 'Knee Deep And Down', the songs create the backbone of the album. 'Ruins and Remains' takes you into unchartered territory with its mesmeric, hypnotic, swirling synthesiser, the perfect chill-out tune.

This is a carefully crafted collection of songs put together with creativity, emotion and sincerity, packed with an assured attitude and confidence, Manc music at its best. They may have obvious influences of their contemporaries but they seal it with their own originality. The powerful vocals of Richard Nancollis pulling everything together, making it the sound of now. As far as debut albums go this is flawless, give it a listen and I am sure you will agree.