Honey Ryder

Although some may feel that Born In A Bottle marks a greater step in to the country music scene, anyone who has listened to their three albums in sequence will be aware that this is not so much a move away from their early work, but just a growth in the sound that has always marked them out as one of Britain's finest. As with both their prior releases, Born In A Bottle is not easy to categorise. Yes, there is a real country undertone, but they could just as easily be classified as folk, indie or pop - such is the strength of their songwriting.

The album opens with the triumphant Born In A Bottle. While it is clear that the romper would get any party kickstarted, anyone who plays closer attention to the storytelling element of their lyrics, will be aware that this is a song will real heart and a powerful meaning. While there are elements of triumph and elation, it is in the song's sadder, darker edges that this really comes to life. Aforementioned single, What If We've Only Got Tonight, is the album's most obvious single. A song that LeAnn Rimes or Celine Dion would have battled to get their hands on, this is beyond pretty and Lindsay O'Mahony's stunning vocal will give you tingles.

While What If We've Only Got Tonight was designed for radio play, we hope that Little Feet, a song about the insecurities of being a new parent gets the exposure it deserves. As the normally powerful O'Mahony shows her sensitive side, the trio really shine. By marrying the work of Lady Antebellum with the work of You + Me, Honey Ryder have crafted a song that is crying out to be used on a Mothercare advert and deserves to be on the A-List of every radio station. Equally moving is the Neil Young-driven folk bliss of Years From Now, which is one of the most warm and fuzzy observations on friendship you will ever hear.

Although the quieter moments shine, there is no doubt that the upbeat leaning of Born In A Bottle is not equally enjoyable. The Sara Evans drive of Hitting The High Note boasts a sass that is perfectly pitched for country domination on the other side of the big pond. The mesmerising In A Heart Beat has a dancefloor pop drive and is calling out for a mainstream remix so that dominates the club scene this summer. In its current form the anthem is perfectly pitted for all drive time shows.

Overally Born In A Bottle once again proves that Honey Ryder are one of the UK's most exciting acts. Their third studio albums marks a growth of their sound, a return of their honest lyrical insight and some damn good singalongs to lift your spirits. Please don't leave it so long till album number 4. We've missed you!