THIS is the second CD from four-piece alt rock band Animotorso.

Under original name Orchid, the band played a variety of venues such as Marrs Bar, the Cavern in Exeter and the Ashton Court Festival in Bristol, and built up quite a following.

Now with the release of their new CD, it seems the boys (Ben Davidson, Tom Angell, Adam Hinks and Russell Smith) are destined for much bigger things.

Imediately starting with a pounding drum beat, it's clear what the CD is all about - the rock.

Being Influenced by 90s grunge such as Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, the band are experts at songs which have a melancholy feel but escape being miserable.

The songs on here (and there are only three) and all have heavy riffs and raspy vocals.

Track two, Big Machine, even sounds as though they have managed to get Eddie Vedder to come over and do a guest vocal.

While their influences are obvious to anyone who likes rock music in general, the band have a slight experimental edge, something that makes then stand out when the scene today is full of poser indie bands.

The only downside is that there are just three songs. It would be good to hear some more tracks and get a proper feel for what Animotorso sound like.

BR