SAHARA RAIN 'Sand In Your Hands' (2009) www.sahararain.com

Debut album by a band hailing from Switzerland and they have Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart/Rain) handling production and adding backing vocals. Michael Bormann also adds his considerably songwriting talents to the music on here as well. The album cover catches the eye with a belly dancer and what appears to be a pair of humping camels.

Overall it is not bad at all, coming across like fellow Swiss rockers Gotthard and the Scorpions at times. The ballad 'Higher Sky' is a highlight building nicely and allowing a chance for vocalist Ricci to shine. The rockers 'Shadow' and 'Blinded Eyes' remind the listener of Bon Jovi (when they were good!), both featuring some neat guitar solos.

Not a bad album at all and one you can see yourself still playing in years to come. There second album due next year should be one to look out for.

***1/2
Jason Ritchie

http://www.hotdigits.co.uk/cgi-bin/diary2/journal?user=jason