_{Janet Gardner will of course be known to many as the front woman of Vixen, but on 18th August she releases her first solo album. The self-titled album was recorded with her husband Justin James and is released through Pavement Music. I was fortunate enough to record an interview with Janet last month (http://www.rockradioni.co.uk/interviews/3171-ni-rocks-interview-with-janet-gardner-vixen.html ). Chatting with her it was obvious that there had been some nervousness going into the project, but that once commenced it was a labour of love and an album that she is extremely proud of. And she has every reason to be; it is a fantastic album and I was delighted to hear that we can expect more in the future. We played four tracks from the album during the interview that was broadcast on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 21st July.}

_{Damn Freaks released their self-titled debut album through Mighty Music on 11th August. The band features Tygers of Pan Tang frontman Jacopo ‘Jack’ Meille on lead vocals and that was the initial thing that grabbed my attention in the press release. Add to that the reference to “good ol’ party time rock n roll” inspired by 80’s bands like White Lion and Motley Crue and this was definitely an album worth checking out. I certainly wasn’t to be disappointed. I played the track “Break The Chains” on the Friday NI Rocks Show on 30th June and “Dream Highway” on the Show on 28th July.}

_{American band Kickin Valentina released their second full length album “Imaginary Creatures” on 11th August, through the Danish label Mighty Music. The band formed in 2013 and released their debut EP the same year. I can’t remember when or how I got a copy of that EP, but I’ve been a fan of the band ever since and was really looking forward to the release of “Imaginary Creatures”. An album recommendation was pretty much a foregone conclusion! I’ve played the tracks “Imaginary Creatures” and “Devil’s Hand” on the Friday NI Rocks Shows on 30th June and 28th July respectively and will be opening the Show this week with “Eyes”.}