THE ANSWER

Sundowners (Golden Robot)

After a blistering first decade that saw the release of six albums, tours around the world and support slots with the likes of Aerosmith and AC/DC, Belfast rockers The Answer needed a break to recharge their batteries. That break turned into a seven-year hiatus that is finally brought to a close with Sundowners. Lighter than previous album Solas and more akin to 2015’s Raise A Little Hell, this is an album that aims to have fun and usually hits the mark.

Cormac Neeson’s vocals have matured in a similar way to Robert Plant, with even more expression in his tone than before, and Dan Weller’s production sits the vocals right up in the mix. That said, the band often sound a bit squashed in comparison to previous albums. Only on the last few songs, including album highlight Livin’ On The Line, do they really have the room to let the songs sing. But it’s a treat to have these rockers back on album, on tour and on form.

words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES