Master & Dog, M&D ***

What's in a name? Not much, we suppose, but when you consider that less than two years ago Master Dog were operating under the title John, Shelly and the Creatures (it's true – the T-shirts last longer than the bands), you'd have to question either their logic or – that rather less rational commodity – artistic license. Whatever, this crowd, fronted, as was JSC, by Philip D'Alton, and featuring all former members, with the addition of Sharon Thompson – sure know how to create music that moves from loud/shock to quiet/calm. Tracks such as Small Time, The Way That You Stand, Bad Moon, All Hell Broke Loose, Canada and Pearshaped tingle with the sound of musicians set free from preconceptions. The result is folksier than you might expect, but with enough bite to make you feel the pain. masteranddog.com

Download tracks: The Way That You Stand, All Hell Broke Loose, Pearshaped