The opening track on The Storys second album - Long Hard Road, could so easily be a track on the Long Road Out Of Eden, The Eagles big comeback album release. It has the hallmark West Coast sounds, and even Steve Balsamo's vocals sound uncannily like Don Henley. It's a corker. Who would have predicted it from a band from Swansea, South Wales?

With roots clearly deep in the rock harmonies of The Eagles, CSN&Y and The Byrds, this is not what you expect to emerge from the valleys. Recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World studio by veteran producer Jon Kelly, there's no doubting this is quality soft rock. But it would be better served with the top down and the sun baking the asphalt rather than on a damp, dreary, British winter day.

Nevertheless, for anyone who enjoys their rock Hotel California style, check out The Storys. Despite the similarities in style and delivery to their American cousins, there's more than enough originality here - the stunning closer Trouble Deep, for example - to suggest they're a hell of a lot more than just wannabees.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley

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