This deserves to be enormous and everyone needs this release in their life.

I was beyond excited at the announcement of a new Ted Poley album, he's long been one of my favourite singers, and like a fine single malt whiskey, his voice has matured as time has passed. I was also slightly concerned as Poley himself had said it would be something new and different, therefore, I did (mistakenly as it happens) wonder if all would be as good as usual – I need not have worried as 'Modern Art' is an absolute belter!

As you will possibly be aware, 'Modern Art' sees Poley pairing up with Swedish Melodic Rock heroes Degreed and what a terrific partnership it is. You need not have any worry as to what you might hear because it's a matter of "all killer, no filler" and I would suggest that this release is easily up there as a potential contender for 2018 Album Of The Year. What is it like? The answer to that is easy, it sounds like wonderful and timeless Melodic Hard Rock.

It's a fabulous album to experience with a rich, crystalline production and the band sound simply marvellous. Poley's voice is everything you know and love, and he simply oozes class through every nuance. It suddenly strikes me that this is the album H.e.a.t should have made – it's simply that good. The musicianship is stellar (did you really expect anything else from Degreed?) and the songs simply shimmer with a sheen of melodic perfection; it's an absolute joy to experience.

I can't help but thinking that the Frontiers crew must be kicking themselves repeatedly for not getting this brilliant release onto their roster, it's an album that simply is everything they profess to represent. It's also the ultimate driving release, I very recently bought a classic Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet with a huge stereo and this is always on wherever I go... loudly!

Trying to highlight or pinpoint individual standout songs is too hard and there aren't enough superlatives to lavish on this incredible album as a whole. Awash with beautiful vocal harmonies, soaring guitars and anthemic choruses that urge you to sing along with them, it's nigh on aural perfection! Honestly? This deserves to be enormous and everyone needs this release in their life!

Chris O'Connor