Alberta Cross 'Broken Side Of Time' (Ark) Released 21/09/09

The music industry is anyone's game these days. Where an artist has played and who they've toured with are as important as the toothpaste they use in terms of the music product. Reading the press release for Alberta Cross is like the name-dropping of a D-list celebrity who can't get a table in Nandos.

Which is why the album itself is so surprising. From all the Verve and Oasis nonsense, 'Broken Side of Time' is more passionate and crafted than anything either of those bands have crafted recently (and ever will now).

There may be more than a strong hint of a Bends/OK Computer-period Radiohead in this release but this has never been a bad thing. Indeed, so long has it been since the release of either of these albums that Alberta Cross sound positively refreshing. Its has the same brooding feel, yet with an added-cavernous attack that's some thing more spacious and desolate even than the mighty 'head.

Its the type of startlingly solid debut release that should put the willies up any established band that has been planning to put out a slack release any time soon. Clashing guitars, hushed vocals and general brooding make this a top release.

While many are calling 2009 the year of surprise second albums, I'd say it is the year of stellar debuts. And of some very solid efforts out there this would certainly make my top five for this year.

So while they may have been everywhere with everyone, its time you went to see them as they strike out on their own.