It’s always sad when bands that have consistently delivered the goods announce that they are splitting. Sometimes irreplaceable key members fall foul of their wild rock n roll lifestyles and go to the great gig in the sky. Other times the creative force just dries up or music tastes just go through huge upheavals and bands become dated before their sell by date by no fault of their own.

Other times bands with a bit of foresight take a sabbatical while they are on top and leave the door open for the future. Members go off and pursue alternative projects and before they know it they have their creative spark back and the hunger to get back to their (and the fans) first love.

The tricky part is deciding when to put the “projects” on hold and return to the day job.

I am hoping the timing is perfect for Fair Warning who return this August with their new album “Brothers Keeper". It sees the band reuniting as a four piece rather than the original five. Malecek (guitar) hasn’t come along for the ride this time but the fantastic four of Tommy Heart (vocals), Helge Engelke (guitars), Ute Ritgen (bass) and C.C Behrens are back and believe me when I tell you they are back big style.

I desperately wanted this album to be good and stand tall alongside their back catalogue and am pleased to say it’s better than good it’s flipping brilliant

Fair Warning fans get down to your local record store or drop by your favourite web music retailer and get this album pre ordered. I am privileged to have heard the album and it’s a stormer. I sat and listened to it back to back a couple of times and had a smile on my face like the cat that’s got the cream. I finally remembered why it was in my CD player and so here is a track by track breakdown of this melodic rock opus.

“Don’t Keep Me Waiting". A killer opening track. A wall of lush vocals ushers in the song, which takes off with Engelke’s muscular riffing. We get a breathtaking guitar solo which travels top to bottom of the fretboard. This solo is a mini masterpiece in its own right. Tommy sings along with the guitar melody lines and the song plays out with a furious wah-wah solo. Classic Fair Warning, melodic, up beat but with a heavier vibe.

“Generation Jedi". A brooding rocker that goes through glorious major to minor key changes. This song has a Queensryche feel to it in places. Not in the way it’s played but just in the futuristic subject matter. Engelke plays out the song in fine style and at times reminds me of Michael Schenker in his prime.

“All Of My Love”. Fair Warning have written some of the best melodic rock power ballads period and this track carries on this genre in fine style. A glorious arrangement with layers of guitars picking out delicate melodies. Thoughtful backing accompanies Engelke's solo and each chorus gets bigger and bigger. Tommy Heart reaches the notes other singers can only think about. Pure class.

“Rainbow Eyes". A solid arrangement sees this song move along with purpose. This number has a big bottom end to it. It's not detuned guitar maybe it's a baritone guitar. It's one of those mysteries that make music so entertaining to listen to. Whatever it is it gives the song a bit of clout.

“Push Me On". A furious drum intro locks into a rocking groove with the guitar and bass. Engelke unleashes a bit of phaser on his guitar for added texture. Great key changes give the solo room to flow and the chorus uses layers of vocals for added depth. Engelke plays the song out with his trademark swooping runs.

“Wasted Time". The middle of the album and a more restrained number with a bluesy feel which shows us another side to the band. A lovely Hammond organ swirls in the background as Engelke gives us one of his more soulful guitar workouts. One could almost think Eric Clapton was guesting on guitar.

“The Cry". A great mid tempo but up beat song. The verses for some reason kept reminding me of Foreigner but the chorus’s were instantly recognizable as Fair Warning. Engelke reaches notes that will have all the cats running amok thanks to his extended guitar fret board.

“The Way". This is the heavy number, which riffs along nicely. It has a big sound and there’s lots going on. This song will reveal more to the listener on each listen. Superb drumming and virtuoso bass playing are all over this track. Nothing gets out of hand. The band knows how to put all the pieces together tastefully.

“Once Bitten Twice Shy". The albums fun rocker. It's the shortest track on the album but pushes all the right buttons. A great song to drive to. This almost sounds like a Bryan Adams number but the chorus and orchestration remind us whom we are listening to.

“Tell Me Lies". Another song which will reveal more on each listen. Drum and bass drive it along. There is almost a Queen style scope to this song. A sing along chorus and some changes of tempo make for an interesting song.

“In The Dark". The albums longest track and also the darkest and most menacing. There is a middle reminiscent of Argents “Hold Your Head Up” and a solo with tapping that will keep Eddie Van Halen awake at night. Engelke takes his guitar into the stratosphere on the play out.

“Still I Believe”. Not a new song but a re recorded version of a song, which was released in 200 exclusively in Japan. A true rock anthem with a real positive and uplifting chorus. A great song which is more appropriate than ever for fans of the band that “still believe” in them. This song will pick you and help you face the world.

“All I Wanna Do”. A nice Beatles feel shows the band closing the album in pop rock mode. Robbie Williams would kill for material like this. Get the lighters out and sing along.

At this point I can see all fans of the band going back to track one and playing the record all over again but here’s a tip, leave the CD in your player and you will get a bit of a surprise .I won’t reveal what as that would spoil the fun.

The band should feel very proud of this album. It's the Fair Warning sound we all love, but it sounds fresh at the same time. Helge Engelke sounds like he is having a ball. His playing is fluid and focused but loose and fun all at the same time. Inspirational. Tommy Heart sings his heart out and Beherens and Ritgen sound like a rhythm section on a mission.

Frontiers Records have added another quality act to what is becoming an impressive roster with the likes of Journey, Toto and Soul Sirkus. Fair Warning have returned to their day job and in the office of melodic rock they are the boss.

Let us know your views on 'Bottom Of Your Soul'

Track List

Don't Keep Me Waiting
Generation Jedi
All My Love
Rainbow Eyes
Push Me On
Wasted Time
The Cry
The Way
Once Bitten Twice Shy
Tell Me Lies
In The Dark
Still I Believe
All I Wanna Do

Line Up

Tommy Heart- Vocals
Helge Engelke - Guitars
Ule W. Titgen - Bass
CC Behrens - Drums