Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Leeds-based rockers Carpe Diem release their debut cassette of five songs strongly based around songwriter Jock James' guitar work. So it's plenty of noisy guitars ahoy, especially on the set closing rocker "You". Produced by Steve A Thompson (best known for his work as Graham Kendrick's musical director and, therefore playing, away from home with this rock band) it isn't surprising that in most places this has a clean sound. The opener "Maybe" rocks along nicely whilst "Lookin' Round" is a catchy little number with a hooky chorus, and these are the two strongest songs. My one worry is the singing of Kev Pease, which is thin in places and sometimes like he's struggling to get across on the louder numbers. I'd imagine that this would cause some problems in a live setting, especially if Jock James likes turning his amp to 11! On the quieter moments and on the song "This Feeling", Kev has fewer problems. There are a few other blemishes along the way, which are normal for a low budget recording, and the band's arrangements could be a little more interesting. This is a good effort for a debut - they're not going to set the charts on fire but this deserves to win them a few live gigs.

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