Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

As our American cousins are inclined to squeal, 'THIS RAWKS MAN!" Straight ahead rock'n'roll of an ilk that is likely to set American stadia alight is the strong suit of Australian Doug Macfarlane as evidenced on tracks like "How Would I Ever Know", "Time", "Some People" and the strutting acoustic opening title cut. Sort of middle period John Cougar Mellencamp style (before he went all serious and dropped the feline moniker!) and there's nothing wrong with that! Long haired Doug displays a sensitive side too on "Love Of A Family" to wave the flag for responsible manhood but it is the ballad "Jessica" whose husband has deserted her for another woman that tugs at the heart. "Freedom" deals with abuse and "Love You Tonight" looks at the transitory nature of romantic love when it is not rooted in commitment. Clearly Macfarlane is not an empty rock'n'roller. Instead this set of songs is prepared to dig around a little in the human condition and shine a light. Plenty to get excited about, especially if you like acoustic melodic rock.

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