The problem with trying to make music in this day and age is that all the good band names are taken, and every possible fusion of genres has already won critical acclaim, or else been resigned to the bargain basement bin at a service station gift shop.

So you'll forgive me for a slight feeling of unease at pressing play on the debut release of Japanese Fighting Fish, 'Just Before We Go Mad', an album of guitar-based rock that lists influences as diverse as Jeff Buckley and System of a Down.

I’ve used the quite loose term, ‘guitar-based rock’, because this four-piece band is genuinely quite difficult to categorise. The rhythm section is heavily influenced by South America, with wandering, funk-tinged bass lines and heavy drums. There’s also the sharp electric guitars favoured by modern hardcore bands, and some more mellow moments in choruses.

There are some genuinely great moments. Opening track ‘Jonny Sideways’ sounds like a descent into madness, and there are strong, powerful choruses throughout. You get the feeling that this band has a lot more to offer than can be adequately captured on disk. They have all the ingredients for an electric live show – and are touring across the country in March.

The vocals are excellent – they have all the swagger and of classic rock, but with a gritty undertone – think Dexter Holland of the Offspring on Ixnay on the Hombre.  The problem is it all feels a bit disparate – there are moments that will appeal to fans of different genres, but nothing to encourage another listen from avid fans of a particular sub-genre.

There’s a little bit for everyone, but perhaps not quite enough.