Featuring some of the biggest legends in punk music, ManRaze are back with their second album, which is described as a blend of rock, dub and soul.

With a line-up consisting of former Def Leppard lead guitarist Phil Collen, drummer Paul Cook from the Sex Pistols, and former Girl bassist Simon Laffy, there are sure to be a number of middle-aged punk lovers looking forward to the follow-up to their 2008 debut, “Surreal”.

Certainly none of their impressive instrumental ability has been lost over the years. Collen and Laffy crank the guitar and bass up to full volume in a way that will make listeners wish for studded jackets and mohicans all over again. Collen’s vocals also hold up on what us generally a decent album with some catchy tunes, particularly ‘Get Action’ and “Lies, Lies All Lies”.

However, the claim that this album mixes rock, dub and soul is perhaps stretching credibility. Whilst the rock influence is almost certainly felt throughout, it is hard to see exactly where dub and soul come into it. Ultimately, this sounds like a plain, simple rock record.

The other major issue here centres on the age of the band members. Collen is 53, Cook is 55 and Laffy is the baby of the group at the ripe young age of 52. That age shows in rather dated efforts such as “Edge of the World” and “Dreamland” which shows that they have yet to leave their punk influence behind and embrace the 21st Century where rock music is not quite what it was in the sixties.

Overall, this is a perfectly reasonable album which has moments of genuine quality and should help fuel a mid-life crisis or two. Whether the Topman generation will be so keen is another matter.

Quality instrumental work and the odd tune but does feel rather dated and out of touch in places.