Certif1ed NWoBHM with keys can't help but sound like 1970s hard rock sometimes, and the A side of this single from Challenger is no exception.

The main differences are the heightened energy that the NWoBHM brought with it, and the stripped-down feel to the production - which is a great enhancement.

"So Sure of Yourself" is a real foot-tapper, a catchy slice of poppy rock with a shot of NWoBHM attitude and energy. The keyboard solo isn't exactly Jon Lord, but it's more than capable, and does what it's supposed to, which is to provide dark-flavoured entertainment for its duration, not only without getting boring, but lifting the piece.

"Out To Kill" is the killer track as is often the case with many of these demo 45's - you put the catchy song on the A side, and the stuff the band actually want to play on the B side.

This is a dark, dark track, with spine-chilling atmosphere and a far less 1970's sound - this is something much fresher. It's no less melodic than the A side - if anything, it's far more catchy, and the dramatic build-ups are a welcome change from the more predictable song structures of lesser bands. It reminds me of the later space rockers, Underground Zero, but without the Hawkwind synths.

Top stuff - worth tracking down for the B side.