The spirit of independence is spreading across the land, and the latest to catch the contagion are Pale Blue Moon, a four-piece pop-metal band based in Louth. From a standing start, they issued the single ‘Supernatural’, which crashed into the iTunes Ireland chart at number two. For good measure, the video has chalked up nearly half-a-million views. Way to go!

‘Supernatural’ also makes for a bright album opener, with Jack Murphy’s insistent guitar figure dramatically leading into a compelling groove. ‘Defend’ boasts a nagging riff echoing early Kinks, with touches of Bon Jovi and soaring harmonies. The neatly-nuanced ‘Grace’ shows they can lay back too, bringing the panoramic style of Tom Petty to mind. There’s a hint of Def Leppard about ‘All That Matters’, thanks to the fine chorus and Murphy’s bristling guitar work.

With taut production courtesy of Brian Sperber (Staind, Moby, Madonna), Pale Blue Moon have created a fine debut. In fact, debut albums rarely come with such brash confidence, exhilarating musicianship and superbly crafted songs.

Out now.