Once in a while you hear a band you previously knew nothing about, like A.C.T. a Swedish band. They are a five piece consisting of Jerry Sahlin (vocals/keys), Ola Andersson (guitars/vocals), Herman Saming (vocals), Peter Asp (bass) and Thomas Lejon (drums). Quite simply this CD is unlike anything I've heard for a long time. They remind in places of ELO, Queen, Supertramp, Cheap Trick and Jellyfish - not a bad combination at all!

Melody and harmonies are a key ingredient to the album's success from the Supertramp/ELO high harmonies on the superb 'The Cause' or the ELO style strings that link many of the songs. Quirkiness exists on 'The Effect' - bits of jellyfish in the mix. Prog rock fans will enjoy 'Wailings From A Building', interesting mix of guitar with piano and some chunky riffing on the chorus. 'Mr. Landlord' is a prime slice of Scandavian melodic rock with a catchy hook and a song structure not unlike a show song! 'Torn By A Phrase' mixes shade and light with acoustic moments mixed with guitar bombast - Dream Theater fans will enjoy this.

Can you tell I like this album just a bit? Get a copy now! The band really are something a bit different and manage to take the influences of the aforementioned bands to meld it into a very modern and enjoyable style. But A.C.T. have their own sound and given some exposure, this album deserves to be a hit.

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Review by Jason Ritchie