Once in awhile you get a CD to review that you know nothing about (well quite often with indie bands to be honest) and it is always a sonic adventure to try the music.

Cavalier King or Chris Taylor, as he plays most of the music and sings, is true gem of an album.

Take opener 'Renegade'the best song Franz Ferdinand never wrote. Simply superb, nothing more to add. Or 'Victory' that takes a cool riff and warps it around Taylor's vocals (some similarity to Jeff Buckley in places), a song that would have the dance floor filled with ease.

Plenty of variety as well with 'The Unprotected' adding some much needed acoustic respite in amongst the guitar driven tunes. Only 'Sun Revolution (reprise)' lets the side down but hey even this one is listenable. The sound is spot on and if you only buy one album outside of your normal rock fare I would strongly recommend this one.

All hail the Cavalier King!

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly