I have a confession to make. When I was given Deer Park Avenue's latest offering 'Stop & Go' to review I immediately didn't think I would warm to it purely because, I struggle with female vocalists. It's not a sexist thing; I love great frontmen such as Spike or Michael Monroe. So, it is with great pleasure that I can announce that I am perhaps somewhat misguided, as this latest release from these California-based sisters proves that women can offer just as much as their male counterparts.

Deer Park Avenue are sisters of mixed heritage who have lived in both the USA and Europe. The core of the band formed around Sarah (vocals, guitar) and Stephanie Snyder, who started their musical journey almost without realising it as they originally played Beatles covers just for family and friends. So picking up 'Stop & Go' it becomes clear early on that through these experiences and the ensuing years the girls have learnt how to write a really great pop song.

This CD opens with 'Hey Maria', which is a sugarcoated pop song, and I have to confess that despite my initial reservations, after a couple of listens I soon found myself singing to this under my breath whilst doing my regular Tesco big shop. I have no doubt that with the right exposure this song could be a radio hit although if this never happens give the track a listen anyway as the chorus will certainly invade the radio in your head.

In my research for this my debut review for Uber Rock, I perused other reviews of this CD and many of them suggested that track 2 'Darkness Hides Me' and track 3 'Millionaire' were in fact the stand out tracks on 'Stop & Go'. Well in true Uber Rock tradition I'm going to have to disagree with the majority here, and whilst they are both good songs that possess a very eerie quality about them 'Stop & Go' has much better to offer.

It is when we arrive at track 4 where, in my humble opinion, this CD really gets going and makes this release shine out above the rest. Beginning with 'Waiting For You', which actually makes me ponder how the Gaslight Anthem would have sounded if Brian Fallon had been born female? The chorus to this nugget is infectious, the guitars upbeat making it a near perfect pop-rock song.

Track 5 'Say Goodbye' for me though is the standout track on this album by far. It begins with a Beatles 'Let It Be' style piano and is quite simply a kick-ass ballad. This song will certainly no doubt soon be intruding my 'Top 25 Most Played' playlist on my iPod. 'Say Goodbye' sets the guidelines for how modern ballads should be done. The Snyder girls should be congratulated for being able to write songs as diverse as this and some of the rockier tunes that appear on this CD. After all, who wants to hear the same song rehashed over an entire album? In fact if this is what you require from your music listening, I can certainly recommend any of the post-2000 Bon Jovi albums, as they may be more to your fancy.

The acoustic lead 'A Long Way Down' follows, and the vocal harmonies alone on this song are enough to make even the heaviest of rockers clap their hands in appreciation. I have mentioned several times the strength of the song writing on this release however; I would be foolish to not advertise the fantastic vocals that are prevalent throughout every track. In this age where rock bands are fronted by somewhat limited vocalists it's a breath of fresh air to find a band fronted by someone who can really hold their notes without studio assistance.

The final two tracks, 'Over Again' and 'Rescue Me' have both featured on the band's previous release 'City Streets', however they have been rerecorded here and given a new lease of life. I for one am certainly pleased the band decided to ok this, as quite frankly these two songs are a perfect ending to what is a really solid release. 'Over Again' offers up a great sing-a-long rock song whilst, 'Rescue Me' is a heartfelt plea from the girls and let's be honest there won't be that many red blooded men out that that wouldn't want to be the one performing that heroic act after listening to this CD a few times through.

Overall then this is a really solid CD and even in a time of recession this would be a worthwhile investment for anyone with an interest in the more pop side of rock. It's not dangerous and it's certainly not threatening but then again, it's clear that it's not meant to be. 'Stop & Go' takes you on a journey of the good times, bad times and it just includes several really good songs. This CD is defiantly for us rockers with a softer side and let us be honest, we all have one don't we? If not, the heavenly voice of Sarah Snyder will make this CD an enjoyable listen for even the most critical of listener.

I think it's safe to say Deer Park Avenue are my first new favourite band of 2012.

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