Both their previous single releases 'The Consultancy' and 'Neon', awash with melodic exuberance, appear, along with another eight epic tunes.  Please bear in mind that there are just 10 tracks present in total, yet Amplifier's running time is well over an hour, making the average length of each track an astounding six minutes.

'Motorhead' is the opening track and reliant on groovy and grungy riffing of the heavy rock variety, before the masterpiece of 'Airborne' that's an atmospheric revelation – and eight and a half minutes long!

With Amplifier being just three men-strong, the drum beats of Matt Brobin and Neil Mahony's bass-lines are always at the forefront, as 'Panzer' oozes exotic verve, being emo-rock-riled in spurts.  Amplifier, on their own terms. are as intoxicating as My Vitriol and Breed 77 wildly flung together, yet 'Disillusioned' hears Sel singing like Del Amitri frontman Justin Currie, in a far more subdued and subtly reflective mood which provides a little respite from the overwise angular guitar riffery that so proudly dominates much of this genuinely amazing debut album.

There really is just one thing to do, and that's turn 'em on, tune on and crank it up!
(4/5)

Release Date: 10 May 2004