Judging by the name of this band I thought they may be treading the darker side of musical life, however Soley Mourning are actually spinning something of a brighter note with their third album 'Zaire'. Formed in 2006, the group have been amassing support throughout the midlands and beyond, and are now on the verge of expanding their horizons even further with this well-produced selection of tracks.

The album is riff-tastic, and these Black Country-based boys can lay the groove down thick. Opener 'Deadman's Town' jumps along in a danceable rhythm that generally sets the standard for the record. Songs such as 'Way Down Low' ensure that this vibe continues, led by punchy, grinding guitars. Numbers such as 'Gimme Sumthin'' and 'Double Drop' carry a deep bluesy feel somewhat reminiscent of early Black Crowes releases. As with the first track though, Soley Mourning often put more emphasis on harder riffs than the Crowes. 'She's Gonna Make It Shine' is a perfect example of this heavier, classic edge with a funky Zeppelin-esque groove.

The strong, grunge-tinted power, laminated with tight melodies prevails throughout the album, bouncing from a deep Soundgarden-style drive to the occasional up-beat, Brit-rock feel of Thunder. There is certainly some variation in this record, and sometimes Soley Mourning mix it up a bit, taking a turn for the more experimental. This is no better demonstrated than in 'Groundhog Saturday', which has an edgy, disjointed sound. Although perhaps not the strongest track on the album (it never quite hits the apex it's stretching for), it is a welcome addition to a record which makes a good job of occasionally stepping outside of tired parameters.

'Simone', too, has a fresh feel to it, making for a quiet interlude in an otherwise vibrant album. What ties all of these songs together is the strong emphasis place upon melody. This is an album made for easy enjoyment, with many sing-along moments. Melodious rock abounds with Soley Mourning, so if you want something classic with a modern twist, then 'Zaire' is just the ticket.

www.soleymourning.com