Big voice,big guitars: what's not to like? When you have two major weapons in your arsenal you'd be a damn fool not to use them right from the get go,which is exactly what Earthprayer do within seconds of debut Nine Days kicking off. With a groovy,driving riff Civil War nails you to the spot ,while vocalist Heidi Jo Hines unleashes a voice that's both spine-tinglingly powerful and sublimely soulful. With Hines's steel-and-velvet vocals harnessed to guitarist Ian Montlake's equally deft and skilful songwriting,this economical debut hits the spot over and over with a welter of riffs and memorable choruses. From the gently acoustic and lilting Breakdown to strident rockers as Ain't Nothing and the rambunctious boogie of closer I can see the second sun, Earthprayer mine that classic blues-rock seam for all it's worth and rarely put a foot wrong. Roll on number two.

Essi Berelian