British Melodic Rock at its best.

You might already know of Liverpool's Fugitive what with the band already having two albums under their belt. However, basically reinventing themselves in 2017, singer/guitarist Michael Angel and lead guitar man Ranko "Chip" Veltro are now flanked by bassist David Steele and drummer Al Catraz who takes no prisoners. Three classy video singles have preceded the aptly titled 'The Awakening', and thankfully 'Light It Up', 'Serendipity' and 'All Fired Up' also make the main album because these bristling Melodic Rock monsters are simply too good to miss.

'Serendipity' opens the record, a confident blast of kick drum the nucleus of a song that struts with real purpose before the chorus reels you in through its more enigmatic style – think Tyketto having a quick snog with FM and you won't go far wrong! Easing into view on a sumptuous bass line, 'Light It Up' displays a deeply melodic heart and also the innate ability of Angel to captivate via a vocal delivery that ensures you'll be singing this beauty for a long time to come. A sleazier edge is revealed on 'All Fired Up', the hi-hat stinging as the track's main riff provides a potent brew. Add in some scintillating solo work from "Chip" and the three singles alone stand 'The Awakening' tall and proud as British Melodic Rock at its best. That the rest of this album meets the same high standard is where Fugitive really impress.

With 'Two Hearts' a mid-paced sing-along and 'Standing At The Edge' a power ballad supreme, the variety and consistency on display make for one of those listening experiences where it's almost impossible not to hit replay as soon as the closing notes of the acoustic 'Awæcnan' have faded into the distance. With clever little intro's – most noticeably the acoustic 'Message (Prelude)' which leads into the main song – dotted across this set of tracks, there's also an incredibly mature feel to the whole shebang. However, if it's a Whitesnake "Ow-Ow-Owwwww" and guitar explosion that really gets your juices flowing, this release has that too in the shape of the mighty 'Slave To Love'.

Look below the surface and there's a burgeoning British Melodic Rock scene bubbling away nicely. 'The Awakening' might just be the rally call we need to take it over the top once more.

Steven Reid