An ultra-cool, retro, Pop Rock album that nobody else has heard of but soon will.

Blink and you may have missed one of the Pop phenomena of 2014... well in America at least. Spanish Gold is a "super-group" of sorts; made up of two Hacienda members and one from My Morning Jacket and unsurprisingly – if you listen closely – they sound a little bit like these outfits, but not much.

Spanish Gold is a different beast entirely combining sharp Pop melodies, with a swing of Latino and a touch of retro; think The Black Keys meets The Allman Brothers jamming with The Raveonettes and you won't be far off. The retro style production is uncluttered and crystal clear, embellishing gems like the grooving title track or the Rockwell meets Goyte 'Out On The Street'.

Elsewhere the BK-tinged ambience of 'Don't Leave Me Dry' or the Bluesy grooves of 'Shangri La' provide ultra-cool slices of aural Pop Rock delight. 'Lonely Ride' has an almost early-eighties AOR groove with accompanying production to match, whilst 'Day Drinkin'' hints at John Mellencamp before he added the "Cougar".

If you're looking for Rock out moments 'South Of Nowhere' will sadly disappoint. However if you're looking for an ultra-cool, retro, Pop Rock album that nobody else has heard of but soon will, then pick this up before it becomes readily available at a record store near you... if there are any left... record stores that is.

Mike Newdeck