Recommended for lovers of seventies rock.

Spiritual Beggers will probably be a familiar name to some readers, as 'Earth Blues' is their 8th studio album. I've never come across them before, but the brand of retro influenced classic rock that came out of my speakers promised much.

Consisting of guitarist Michael Armott, drummer Ludwig Witt, former Opeth keyboard player Per Wiberg, bass player Sharlee D'Angelo and ex-Firewind singer Apollo Papathanasio, Spiritual Beggars plays unashamed and well written seventies influenced classic rock. 'Wise As A Serpent' sets the stall out perfectly with a good strong riff leading to a memorable hook. 'Sweet Magic Pain' is a touch heavier before dropping down to let Papathanasio sing. I found his voice something of an acquired taste when he sings in his upper register but this suited him very well.

The album was recorded mostly live as a jam and has a very earthy quality as a result – it's not polished or sonically blasting away like some of the modern releases, it's a warm sounding record. This, combined with excellent tracks such as the sublime 'Hello Sorrow', the powerhouse 'Kingmaker' or the mellow 'Dreamer', make a compelling case for an investment.

To sweeten the deal even more, accompanying the 50 minutes of new music is a second disc of the band's 'Return To Live' EP, recorded in Japan. The album comes as either a gatefold vinyl double LP or a 2CD Mediabook, so there's plenty of value for money.

Recommended for lovers of seventies rock.

James Gaden