Mavis Grind at the launch of their second album. By Jack Beckley

THE launch of Mavis Grind's second album was certainly different.

The foursome played in a chilly barn in their home village of Broughton, near Stockbridge.

They were ably supported by the Rockbottom Blues Band, which is a side line of Mavis lead guitarist Frank Tidy, and Robian and The Meerkats.

Mavis Grind are: Frank Tidy, lead guitar, Dave Evans on keys, guitar and vocals, Pete Beckley, bass and vocals and Steve Mayes on drums.

I had never been to a gig in a barn before and although it was brass monkeys, as you would expect in December, there was a well stocked bar to the back of the barn, heaters were dotted about and there was a never ending supply of buffalo burgers on the BBQ.

All this was in aid of celebrating the completion of Give It Some Choke, Mavis Grind's follow up to their debut album I'd Like To See That.

There was distinct a party atmosphere and support band Rockbottom Blues Band certainly stood out as Frank's spectacular guitar skills stole the show.

Also, their Hendrix covers are the best I have ever heard.

Frank's amazing guitar skills are no less apparent on their new album.

Give It Some Choke is certainly different to Mavis's debut in that with each song you are never quite sure what you are going to get next.

I'd Like To See That had a funky/ bluesy theme running through it with almost all of the songs but with this new album at one point it is rock, another funk and sometimes acoustic slow songs.

This, for me, is one of the great appeals of this album because it is interesting for the listener, doesn't pigeon hole the band and incorporates the strengths and musical loves of all the band members.

The album blasts off with When I Get Home during which Frank gets to wale on his guitar and show off his extraordinary talents.

Give It Some Choke is undeniably rockier than its predecessor and it holds together very well, although there were times when I felt Dave's voice was lost slightly to the guitars.

However, his strengths stood out in the more instrumental and slower tunes.

This is a fantastically rounded album by the Mavis Grind boys and a fine follow up to their debut.

Lets hope there will be more albums to follow.

To pick up a copy of Give It Some Choke visit www.mavisgrind.com.

2:24pm Sunday 9th December 2007

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