It must be around three years ago that I travelled down to London to attend a showcase by Vega 4. I was impressed by this multinational four-piece’s performance and songs, in fact so much so that for me it was not a question of ‘if’ but when and how big. A couple of EPs were followed by a great album but the band found much more success abroad than in the UK. Following a long period of silence here the second album is about to drop, and if there was any justice it should fly…

Irishman Johnny McDaid (vocals, guitar), Canadian Bryan McLellan (drums), New Zealander Bruce Gainsford (guitar), and Englishman Simon Walker are a diverse bunch who between them have created a distinctive sound. Most of the songs have a strong emotional pull with a sound that can best be described an anthemic pop-rock. McDaid has one of the strongest and most moving voices in rock today, while the band’s instrumentals (live and on record) are as good as anything you’ll hear. Songs vary from the highly rhythmic, jaunty opener You And Me, to the more contemplative and very beautiful Tearing Me Apart (with its quite astounding rock chorus), to the haunting, Radiohead-esque Paper Cuts. Many of the songs have quiet guitar intros and open out into epic rock anthems, with every song underpinned by melodies as strong as anything you’ll hear from any band - this or any other year. Traffic Jam is the song selected to commence the singles battle and it’s not a bad choice with its driving bass rhythm. However, you could stick a pin in the song list to select a single and always come up trumps – so strong is the album. And if you’re still not convinced go see the band live – you’ll be blown away.

4/5