Based in the UK, but originally hailing from Italy, bluesman Karl Demata is no stranger to the live stage, but 'Cross the Mountain' is his first solo album. It's a blues rock album that manages to span a good few different styles, all steeped in the blues.

Lively opener 'Barefoot Walking Blues' is a stomping' boogie blues tune that tips a nod the ZZ Top, whilst 'Never Come Around' has that laid back Americana feel to it, reminiscent of JJ Cale or Mark Knopfler. 'Hard To Find' has some pretty decent classic rock riffage going on, and the likes of 'Failing Design', 'Looking Through You' and 'Fallen City' all bear the influence of some of the southern rock greats such as The Allman Brother s or even Lynyrd Skynyrd in places. Album closer 'The Circus Never Comes to Town' is a dreamy ballad with a tinge of Pink Floyd to it with its Gilmour-esque guitar solo crescendo.

Demata's guitar work is extremely good throughout, but it's perhaps in the vocal department that he lets himself down. A better singer would make this a better album, but all in all it's a solid piece of blues rock that wears its influences on its sleeve.

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