A beacon of light in the gloom of mundane.

With every second review in the Melodic Rock world seemingly having, by law, to contain the word Sweden in it somewhere (that's EU-MHR legislation complied with), it's a pleasure to bring you an album of classy, rounded Melodic Rock that is as home-grown and British as fish and chips, bulldogs and the Royal Family (okay scratch that last one on a technicality...). The band in question is Fugitive, a name anyone in the biker community will doubtless already be well aware of what with the four-piece being regulars at numerous biker rallies across the country.

A quick-fire EP, 'Fuelled And Ready', whet the appetite last year before their 2008 debut album, 'In Transit' received a welcome re-issue. However, including all those excellent EP cuts, 'Black Planet' is the band's first full-length release in seven years and not only is it worth the wait, it is also an impressive step-up in class from '...Transit' which itself received many favourable words.

Amazingly 'Black Planet' marks twenty-five years in the business for Fugitive and while they maybe haven't been studio regulars, there's no denying that they've put that time to good use. This is a confident set of songs where a touch of Tyketto grazes a Sleazy strut via sing-along choruses and some clever interludes. The likes of 'Fuel', 'I'll Be There', 'Missing You' and 'Crazy' crank out the riffs with the crackling fret-fireworks immediately setting heads to "bang" and fists to "pump the air".

Fugitive are unquestioned natives of this hook-laden habitat; squeals and wails of delight emanating from Ranko's guitar, singer Mikee utilising a cleverly carefree approach to add a swagger that many more precise singers simply fail to muster. High notes aren't a problem, long notes aren't an issue and when married to a powerfully energetic delivery, the effect is unquestionably convincing. Surprises come in the shape of the heartfelt 'Starlight', while the acoustic instrumental 'Daisy, Roger, Zak & The Bumblebee', is one of those unexpected detours that really gives an album character. It is also note-worth that they released the title track as a single with all the profits going to the charity NABD (National Association Of Bikers With A Disability).

Fugitive are one of those rare things, a U.K. band who truly know how to take the Melodic Rock blueprint and make it their own, thus making 'Black Planet' a beacon of light in the gloom of mundane.

Steven Reid