Four-piece alternative band Checkpoint showcase their heavily influenced late-seventies and early-eighties rock style on their first album Thorn Among The Roses. The record begins with ‘Sounds of The City’, a catchy, punky opener that evokes the best elements of the notorious Camden indie scene of the early noughties. ‘Abercrombie Like’ is a piffy, punchy track, reminiscent of early Green Day, while riveting drums drive the track ‘Boy in Blue’, as faintly distorted guitar sounds flutter in and out.
Midway through Thorn Among The Roses, the record is broken up by a welcome interlude. ‘Just’, a two-minute burst of instrumental joy, leads into the album’s most positive tune. The lyrics – “Can’t go another day running from my fears” – offer depth to ‘Don’t Give In’.
‘Get Away From You’, ‘Breaking You Down’ and ‘Blowing Up Bombs’ are enjoyable, but because of their rapid energy, might have fared better as brisk two-minute offerings. However, ‘Driven You Dead’ is the sort of song that you could listen to for another ten minutes. Its pristine drumming and guitar solos are wonderfully engaging. On ‘Reasons For A Revolution’, Seán Dunne’s vocals particularly stand out, and the LP is then bookended by the acoustic track ‘Overboard’.
Overall, this is a superb debut record, which will have listeners itching to experience its live energy.
_Out Now

Rating: 7/10
Key track: 'Sounds Of The City'