6/10

Over the last year or so, Newcastle-based trio The Pale White have been knocking out the odd single here and there, slowly building their audience and delivering a steady stream of bold and vibrant alt-rock offerings that have seen them move from humble beginnings to one of the most talked about bands of the moment. So with huge support for their work of late still standing strong, they return to unveil their long-awaited debut album 'Infinite Pleasure', a record that aims to stake their claim as the next big thing on the UK scene.

From the start, it is clear to hear that The Pale White wear their influences firmly on their sleeves. While many have compared them to Queens Of The Stone Age on previous cuts, this new collection sees them double down on that aesthetic and deliver a broad and pulsing release that packs in as many big riffs as possible. But while their sound and direction have a strong focus behind them, it does feel like they are walking over their own footsteps at times. Regularly treading water rather than attempting to explore new and diverse facets to keep the record feeling fresh to the very end.

In all, 'Infinite Pleasure' is a rich and shimmering selection of the band's best work that hits the mark most of the time. They clearly have a focused desire for the music they want to create, but without that special magic to set them apart from the crowd, it sadly has a more forgettable quality about it.