OK, I have to admit quite a lot of trepidation in doing this review, I mean this is TYGERS OF flipping PAN TANG!! I mean I've been listening to this band since the early 80's, I still have a copy of the picture disc of "Love Potion Number Nine" on my wall, adorned as it is by a fantastic Rodney Matthews image of THE Tyger climbing the Post Office Tower, a picture I copied (and still have somewhere) from the 81 LP "Crazy Nights". So yes a fan, and I didn't want to listen to this and find out it wasn't that great.  What a relief it was then to sit down and listen to an amazing collection of songs, that have become firm favorites!

So, the only thing that's been here longer than me is the main man Mr Robb Weir, who has been slinging that axe since the beginning, although the core of the band has remained the same probably longer than the version(s) of my youth, only being strengthened by new boys Francesco and Huw on Guitars and Bass respectively.  This is their first full length offering "Bloodlines", preceded by the EP "A New Heartbeat", recorded to celebrate resigning with Mighty Music and to give fans the chance to hear this iteration of the band plays both some new stuff and classics from the band's first record.

Anyway, before we get to the music a word about the cover. Of course, there is a Tiger, but what a Tyger it is! Red being the predominant colour is blood red and that is an angry looking beast.  I love it!  In fact I an sitting here writing this wearing my "Bloodlines" Tee, I pre-ordered with the CD.  Are you getting the picture I'm a bit of a fan!

On with the music. Opening track "Edge Of The World", one of the early singles, is a bit different, but a mighty strong opener, with a bit of a prog-tinged DEEP PURPLE vibe going on.  This song showcases the whole band from some spell-binding solos, the strength of the backline and soaring vocals Jack Meille, but also the note-perfect production from
Tue Madsen, set a sky-high bar.

"In My Blood" manages to clear the bar too, the chorus is amazing, and the song manages to have one foot in the past and one in the present, a classic but modern rocker!  "Fire On The Horizon" is heavy as all heck, head down rocker where the Guitars are the stars from the first chord to the last drop. There are going to be some sore necks after this one!  And the pace doesn't drop on "Light Of Hope" but it has a lighter, more uplifting feel to it, built on a pounding beat and yet again really showcases how good Jack's pipes are.

After that triple threat comes "Back For Good", which builds from the sort of bass-line which stirs sensations in the trouser area it being a sexy-beast of a song, one I am sure is going to be a favourite with the ladies and gents alike. Hot, sweaty and does things to you which frankly should be illegal!  And after that we either need a cigarette or a slow one, and that is exactly what we get with "Taste Of Love".  Yes we have heard this a thousand times, but rarely done with such class, and not cheesy at all. Just what is needed at this point.

But that isn't what this album is about, this is a R.O.C.K album, so let's get the foot back on the gas with "Kiss The Sky", with it's roots very much in the 70's this one builds and builds and builds some more on it's rock pedigree, soring solos dirty riffs, thumping drums and bad-ass vocals!  "Believe" give Jack another chance to stretch those vocal cords overs a blistering modern track. "A New Heartbeat" is a different feel again, still fast and rocking, but a really fresh feeling upbeat track.

I always feel the closing track is as important as the first one.  It needs to make a statement, and "Making All The Rules" does that.  A brooding, dramatic, cinematic song. Something completely different from the previous 9 songs.  It's big song, amazing vocals, bluesy guitars, a really satisfying end to a highly enjoyable album.  The sort of song which makes you want to go back to song 1 and start again.

One of the most accomplished albums of the year. Am I biased?  Hell Yes! But I am also right! 'Nuff said.