CDs: Mark James, Illuminatus

Illuminatus, The Rising Tide EP This multi-national four piece have certainly been kept busy over the last few months supporting the likes of Gibraltar metal stars Breed 77. Those dates followed acclaim for their excellent debut The Wrath Of The Lambs. This follow-up EP is full of power and panache. With exciting ferocity, the track Rising Tide is carved with blissful instrumentals and is a true delight to the ears. Illuminatus stand above and beyond in song-writing and atmospheric power. 5/5

Mark James, Mud A new five track EP of "fast and furious" original tunes, none of them running over three minutes. That said, the opener, Destiny is steady, reminiscent of The Jam but is basic at best. Things improve on She, which hints at The Damned's New Rose, a bouncy affair echoing punk's past. Unfortunately, the quality ebbs away on Taste, an over familiar melody that is challenging to the ears. Although the use of vintage instruments gives James' new offering an authentic feel, there is little in terms of originality or innovation. 2/5