Wildflowers

After what seems like (and probably is) half a decade on the road, the much-touted Downpatrick trio finally get to release an album. It's clearly a big budget affair too with no expense spared.

Kicking off on familiar territory with the epic, multi-layered single that is 'Rainbow Zephyr', it continues with the hard driving, generic rock of 'Heart Shaped Box'.

They've been accused in the past of being a mite retro in their approach and this holds up in some respects but at least they do it with more style and panache than most. Besides Lenny Kravitz would probably kill to write songs as perfectly formed as 'Let It Fly' and the current single, the dreamy 'You I'm Thinking Of'. Both of these boast a kaleidoscope of rock, pop and soul influences, mainly rooted in the seventies but with enough spark and originality to make them stand out.

The anthemic slow-burner 'All Is Forgiven' is closer to Aerosmith with oodles of cigarette-lighter waving potential, while acoustic guitar predominates on 'Little Flame a strong song which is marred by lyrical cliché, e.g. "letting your light shine through". Things get a little bogged down towards the end especially on the hard rock riffing of 'She Knows' but rescue is at hand in the form of the title track, a terrifically breezy soft rocker with deft harmonies and an infectious melody and chorus.

They might not be fashionable in some quarters but surely America would welcome Relish with open arms?