If you love Melodic Rock, I guarantee you will love this.

Everyone's favourite Antipodean quartet return with their fifth release in as many years. The band's mainstays, Steve Janevski (Black Majesty) and Jason Old (Star Chase), have carried on from the success of last year's 'Unstoppable' opus to produce another fine slice of melodic mastery. The group's line-up is completed by Anthony Wong (bass) and Gilbert Annese (drums), both of whom also play with Old in Star Chase. The album was again produced by Paul Laine and mastered by Bruno Ravel, both of Danger Danger fame.

Opener 'Hold On Tight' is a short, punchy song to kick the album off in style, it blasts out of the traps with Janevski's thumping guitar demonstrating a heavier than normal sound for the band; Old's vocal approach, mixed with the harmonies, has a much deeper, rougher kick to it, however, it still contains the band's infectious melodies. 'Believe In Me' has a wonderful anthemic feel and the clear, crisp sound is a joy to behold, thus allowing the quality of the four musicians to come to the fore. The way these guys gel together is perfect and produces the wonderful melodic sound they are getting a deserved reputation for.

The album is chock-full of upbeat songs that roll along with great pace. The fantastic, keyboard-led 'Should Have Listened To My Heart' fires through and there seems to be a new, fuller sound to the band whilst keeping the old principles intact. The wonderful harmonies and catchy hooks are yet again developed, and this release shows a greater maturity in the song-writing whilst still being instantly accessible. It's great to hear a more prominent bass sound, no more so than in 'Miss Wonderful' which has a slight style change yet remains familiar. 'Beautiful Secret' is a personal favourite and it sums up everything The Radio Sun stand for; punchy guitar and a modern melodic sound with harmonies to die for.

'Beautiful Strange' shows the growth of a band that give it their all and the consistency of their quality song-writing is something they can be very proud of. If you have never tried the "Aussie Sun", this is the perfect place to start and you then have a wonderful back catalogue to catch up on. Don't leave it too long as no doubt album number six will be out before this magazine even hits the shelves! If you love Melodic Rock, I guarantee you will love this.

Mick Parry