April 16th - Sleepwalking (1988)

The sleeve artwork could suggest a thrash band, but no - April 16th are a standard UK metal act, but there's something enchanting a out the whole affair. Okay, so the cover probably helps, but overall it's typically British, quite gritty yet with a hint of mysticism, these guys reminding me of the sort of band who'd appear on the legendary Friday Rock Show. Admittedly for the most part this is an unremarkable album, blessed with melody although vocally rather mundane, especially on the opening title track which is a good driving rock track dragged down by the voice. The intriguingly titled 'Clapham Wood' (no doubt based on the mysterious woodland situated in the county of Sussex) is a slightly more atmospheric affair, it builds slowly into a nice rocker, but album fave has to be 'Illusion' with its strong guitar intro. So, overall, not a fantastic opus, but quite a rarity and one still worth owning especially if you're one of those Brit rock fans. Typically late '80s but better than a smack in the face.
7/10