Here is a quite unexpected gem.  Anyone remember the self titled Lionsheart album released back in 1992?  For the uninitiated that was a great slice of melodic hard rock featuring Steve Grimmett on vocals, stylistically reminiscent of 1987 era Whitesnake but a little harder. That album won widespread acclaim in Europe and particularly Japan, tracks like “Portrait” and “Still Believe” rank in this writers head as some of finest hard rock to have come out of the UK.  Sadly the main song writing force within the band – twin brothers Mark and Steve Owers - quit the band 2 days into Lionsheart’s support slot tour with Lillian Axe. Grimmett has since gone on frequently releasing new albums under a number of guises yet this is the first I have heard of the Owers brothers since then.  Released this month (Sept 09) on small independent label Krescendo Records, The Psychics self titled debut is pretty much everything fans of “that” classic debut would want to hear.  Mark Owers proves his guitar work is as good as it ever was, peeling off blistering riffs and fluid solos with apparent ease, whilst vocalist Steve Owers proves himself to be a quite superb vocalist in the classic Coverdale/Plant mould with a hint of Ray Gillen and Doogie White, its a voice that made me sit up and pay immediate attention.

Opener “Portent” fuses blues with balls out hard rock with riffs that will make anyone take notice combined with a glorious chorus. Vocals are big, bold and full of spark…. Great performances all round and its a track that would be equally at home on Whitesnake’s “Good To Be Bad”.  “Ghosts” takes things up a notch further delivering quality metal with yet more great hooks and is a highlight. “We Rock” sounds like it could have come straight from Extreme’s “Pornograffiti” album right down to the guitar tone, however, it sounds pretty sincere and is a good time tune.   Next the boys ape Zeppelin for “Here Comes The Rain” which is home to great riffs and a very nice arrangement, Badlands fans will feel at home here too  Ok, its not original but in light of no other bands out there doing this sort of thing this well you have to admire it.  “21st Century Whipping Boy” has more Zeppelin-ism’s this time along the lines of a heavier “Kashmir”, again the overall vibe here is killer. The track is home to a number of infectious guitar riffs and there is a nice deal of orchestration as well.  Steve Ower’s throws in all the obligatory “ohs” and “aaaaaaa’s” to really hammer home the message as well as flanged drum tracks, this track will be killer in the live environment.  “Call My Name” is back to the sound more reminiscent of the Lionsheart album, yet with a little Malmsteen thrown into the solo section, Mark Owers is a name that UK guitar mags should take notice off. “Time We Tried Again” is rooted firmly in Whitesnake, with vocals that are very similar in smokey quality to good ol’ Elsie.  That said, great hooks and melodies abound in this track and although dated, it’s a nice slice of modern nostalgia.  “Change” is back to Zeppelinisms with some great riffs, and nice bluesy breakdown, of course Page was never this adept in the lead guitar department but it’s a nice updated 70’s approach to writing rock.  “In The City” is funked up 70’s rock – think Mk.III era Deep Purple and another strong track.  Closer “Dream Man” is a solid instrumental showcasing Mark Owers guitar skills as if we need further evidence the guy can play.  Nice said although perhaps a little too overplayed in places – that said a nice closer.

As you may have gathered there is an awful lot on this album that floated my boat.  Fans of bands such as Zeppelin, Whitesnake and Badlands are well advised to check this out.  Granted its hardly original in terms of being able to relate to its influences, but the nice thing is the band are making no bones about the fact.  The production could maybe have been a little clearer mixed but I doubt the guys were playing with a massive budget, nonetheless its perfectly listenable and reasonably powerful (drums and bass suffer a little).  With their self titled debut The Psychics have crafted a debut of undoubted class and I for one am digging the hell out of it. Put this on your check our list.