“Beware of that,” warned Stuart Clark as I picked up my review copy of The Datsuns self-titled debut LP. “They sound like AC/DC.”

30 seconds in to the first song, I realised he was right. In fact not only do The Datsuns sound like AC/DC, but every other riff-heavy classic rock band that ever struck the wood and wire. I bet their Dad’s are pleased.

Blatant plagiarism aside, The Datsuns prove themselves to be more than competent, delivering a steady stream of toe tappers and, by the end, have me convinced that their live show would be utterly unmissable. However, considering their influences are flashing in neon lights above their heads as opposed to discreetly pinned to their sleeve, their total lack of originality is far from becoming.

That said, ‘Harmonic Generator’ and ‘Fink For The Man’ prove there’s more to The Datsuns than meets the eye, and opener ‘Sittin’ Pretty’ shows how desperately energetic and fuel driven they can be.

For the most part though they remain an overly hyped, rehashed quasi-covers band. But hey, they’re making a living.