By Mike Fordham

With all of the hip indie-rock groups currently pouring out of the United Kingdom, it seems as if any kind of straightforward rock ‘n’ roll may be on the decline. Keeping the grand tradition of British rock going, however, is the brazenly-named The Music. After picking up steam with their 2002 self-titled debut, the group returns with ‘Welcome To The North’.

One clue that the album is a true, solid rock outing is producer Brendan O’Brien. Having worked with the likes of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, his hard-rock credit certainly rubbed off on The Music. Welcome To The North soars with Led Zeppelin-esque might and the expansiveness of prime Jane’s Addiction. Adam Nutter’s guitar is bolstered with an arena-ready sound while vocalist Robert Harvey leads with a passionate wail (mimicking Perry Farrell at times).

This is one of the rare rock albums to which a listener can dance. The cymbal heavy drum sound generates a relentless groove that will have a listener shaking along (it’s near impossible not to dance along at The Music’s live show). “Freedom Fighters” and “Welcome To The North” kick off the album with bombast. The disc’s pinnacle is the sing-along ready “Breakin’,” which grabs the listener with Harvey’s yelping vocals and infectious beat. Despite being a bit overzealous, “Bleed From Within” exudes the same ambitious sound. Even when The Music brings the energy down a bit, the results can still be magical. The slow burner “One Way In, No Way Out” recalls the superb guitar work of Jimmy Page.

This isn’t to say ‘Welcome To The North’ is free of trip-ups. “Cessation” is indulgent with both drum and bass solos. The flat “Fight The Feeling” does exactly that, disrupting the upbeat and festive mood. After a spirited first half, the latter part of the album loses focus and meanders about, crushed under the weight of the first several songs.

Still, The Music’s sophomore release makes good on their promising debut album. Harvey’s fiery vocals, thick guitars, and a groove that’s impossible not to dance along to all come together for one memorable outing. ‘Welcome To The North’ will appeal to many crowds, including classic rockers and modern rock fans. One would be hard pressed to find a rock record that has been this fun in recent memory. While The Music’s might does not sustain over the entire album, there’s enough to keep listeners interested and coming back for more

The Chronicle gives ´Welcome To The North´ by The North three 1/2 out of five stars.