Glasvegas
(Glasvegas)

THE debut album from these 20-something Glaswegian rockers is not bad at all. It’s received a lot of attention from music critics and a growing fan base. The band’s UK tour this year sold out at most venues proving that they are on the up and up. The album features many heartfelt songs, as they sing about life in Glasgow and other social issues. The music is deep and meaningful and very much guitar-based, but features refreshing piano work. The lyrics are clear and strong, almost narrating some rather depressing stories at times. It is not a “feel good” album, but a very soulful one.

Bdr Luke Stevens-Burt, 5 Regt, RA

www.glasvegas.net

3 Doors Down
(3 Doors Down)

SINCE topping the charts back home, American rockers 3 Doors Down are preparing to conquer the UK with their eponymous fourth studio release. The music is occasionally Nickleback-esque as the band has filled this album with the popular mix of heavy guitar and drums, twinned with acoustic finger-style guitar and strings. Although building on a tried and tested recipe, the backing vocals can be distracting and some tracks outstay their welcome. That said, this is an energetic offering and is bound to chart this side of the pond.

Cpl Tom Robinson, 151 Tpt Regt, RLC

One of the Boys
(Katy Perry)

BEST known for her recent achievements, Katy Perry, like most singer-songwriters, has been working on the periphery of the music business since 2004. The American’s meteoric rise to fame has been on the back of the single I Kissed A Girl that caused such a stir and controversy, so her debut album, One of the Boys, has been anticipated by many in the industry for some time. I’m not sure there’s another song on this album that’s going to match her first success, but I could be wrong. If you liked her UK number one debut single, the album is worth a buy because I found every one of the other 11 tracks much the same.

Capt David Greaves, REME

Alive on the Other Side
(My Ruin)

THIS live album and DVD was recorded in Leeds while the band was on the Tell Your God Tour. Lead singer Miss B demonstrates a raw and savage sound throughout. Tracks such as Burn the Witch and The Devil Walks are the backbone of this collection and, as the song titles suggest, this album is not something you would consider getting for Mother’s Day. Their music fits into a very specific genre and there is a main vein of catharsis that will appeal to a certain emotional, gothic group. Coupled with a behind-the-scenes DVD, this is a must for the most ardent of fans.

Cpl Ray Kalaker, RETDU (B)

Modernity Killed Every Night
(The Wolfmen)

THE Wolfmen have a pedigree line-up – Marco Pirroni, who worked with Sinead O’Connor, and Chris Constantinou (ex-Adam Ant). The duo has a Strokes-Libertines sound and strength gained from decades of experience. The album has all the energy of the explosion of 90s BritPop. Opening with the Mojo number one Needle In The Camel’s Eye, the CD progresses to some vigorous – and sometimes psychedelic – tracks later on, but Jackie Says is my top tune. If you’ve not already discovered The Wolfmen, then buy this album. These guys are ones to watch.

Lt Jim Berry, 1 R Irish