A LOOK at the latest single and album releases.

Singles

THE CRESCENT: On The Run, (Hut)

IF The La's or Cast are your thing then look no further than this Scouse quartet. Flying the flag for Merseybeat, Lee Mavers influence is so obvious here, it'll surprise no-one that he was once a member of this young band.

BELLEFIRE: All I Want Is You, (Virgin)

FOUR attractive Irish girls doing a sweet version of a classic U2 record is OK but once they move on to original material the writing scrawled all over the wall. One hit wonders and that hit won't even be theirs. Sorry.

THE SAW DOCTORS: This Is Me, (Shamtown)

RESPECT is due to the Galway boys, who after their first two excellent and humorous pop/punk albums have survived the last decade by peddling a bland formula of acoustic Irish rock. What was once bright and entertaining is now become so dull, if they busked it in the street, you'd give them money to move on.

Albums

THE DOVES: The Last Broadcast, (Heavenly)

THE Doves first single, There Goes the Gear, was widely regarded as far superior track to Oasis' Hindu Times. But the weight of expectation that one song can bring is a burden which proves just too great for Jimi Goodwin and Co to maintain over a full album. Sadly they appear unable to reach that standard again and the dour script and dark overtones create a difficult and unrewarding listen. Sadly disappointing.