I always thought 4Bitten were a great band when I heard them supporting Dan Reed and they played a short tour in their own right in 2010. 'Delirium' is their second album and immediately you can tell that wider touring has done them good.

The first two tracks ('Burning The Candle' and 'Jaded') reflect a band with confidence and an overwhelming sense of urgency. Fofi's vocals seem more powerful, as do George Maroulis' muscular guitar shapes.

The band's influences evidently go right back to seventies riff-rock but the metal flavours give it a more contemporary edge and whilst 'Delirium' will certainly win new supporters it does lack its predecessor's killer tracks. Although on 'Far From Grace' the band do come close to something approaching an ear (and radio)friendly single.

The pace is pretty much relentless from start to finish and tracks do start to merge into each other: a couple of mid-tempo tracks would have padded out this economical 45-minute album whilst giving Fofi a different vehicle for her excellent vocals.

When the band do try and vary it - as on 'Not This Time' with its rap vocal section and metalcore harmonies - it doesn't quite work. And the lyrics are again a bit trite.

As it is, if you liked the debut - and you like well-produced female-fronted riff-rock in general - you will certainly like this.

Definitely the most significant thing to come out of Greece since the recession.

****

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents 'Assume The Position' on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT