The debut album by The Ladder was supposed have been a reunion of the mighty FM and, as such, featured previously unreleased FM tracks that had been re-recorded. However things didn't go according to plan and thus The Ladder was born, featuring the vocalist and drummer from FM along with the bassist from Wishbone Ash and guitars and production courtesy of Heartland's Steve Morris  and additional guitars by Vinny Burns. For this, the band's sophomore release, both of these six stringers have been replaced by Gerhard Pichler, who may recall recorded three albums with Ted Poley under the Melodica and Poley/Pichler banners.

The Ladder's debut album arguably suffered from less than powerful production but this time around that problem has been overcome with the record benefiting from a full, modern production, however I ‘ve got to admit to struggling with this album on the first couple of listens but eventually it clicked  and turned out to be a good, strong album of POP-ROCK.

That’s right pop-rock. The first two numbers, Body & Soul and Sacred are great up tempo rockers in the style of mid period FM, albeit heavier and more modern sounding but from there the album heads into a more mainstream direction. 'Something To Believe In' is a laid back ballad reminiscent of the style of later day Take That whilst both 'All Of My Life' and 'Believe In Me' seal the change in direction with a heavily programmed feel not a million miles away from something say Anastasia would record.

Although I've highlighted just a few of the best songs on offer, the rest of the album continues in a similar manner throughout, both well written and performed by all concerned. One could perhaps argue that the material The Ladder have delivered this time round, in the hands of a more mainstream artist, would certainly make a dint in the singles charts. If any of the reality TV pop stars, so prevalent in this day and age, are looking for good, catchy songs then they need look no further than this.

In truth Sacred is a very clever release from Mr. Overland & co as it gives The Ladder an identity in it's own right, separate from his other project, Shadowman, which has an altogether more bluesy direction. Overland himself is in fine voice throughout and the other musicians are all used to great effect without overshadowing the material in any way, but that's how it should be. On Sacred the song is king and as a shop front for the talent of Overland, Jupp et al it is hard to fault....

Dougie