THOSE DAMN CROWS

Inhale/Exhale (Earache)

Straight out of the blocks with opener Fill The Void, Those Damn Crows’ third album is one that means business. The boys from Bridgend have risen above most other homegrown rock bands in recent years and, on Inhale/Exhale, sound like a band aware they need to maintain their position.

The sound is big, the tracks are well-ordered for the right mix of all-out headbangers, arms-aloft anthems, and the occasional torch-waving ballad. Known for their energy and commitment on the live stage, this approach makes perfect sense for a band who – as all New Wave Of Classic Rock bands need to – continue to build their audience from the live circuit.

Produced by man of the moment Dan Weller, known for his work with Enter Shikari, Inhale/Exhale is an album that sounds great blasted out on a car stereo but has the potential to fill festivals across the country. Business as usual, then, for Those Damn Crows.

words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES