Floundering in a rising tide of computer-generated music created by a generation of geeks claiming to be musicians, it came as a rare pleasure to listen to a band that actually knows their way around electric guitars, saxophones and a real drum kit.

Ark manages to pack seventeen rip-snorting tracks onto their debut album for the sole reason that they hardly ever pause for breath.

If the Sex Pistols invented Punk Rock, then Ark invented Rock Punk.

Ark avoids the clashing guitars and raw vocals of archetypal punk, and instead seamlessly introduces an element of rock that perfectly complements their style. And while the punk influence is unmistakable, the lead guitarist clearly knows a lot more than three chords.

Ark is nothing if not a band that loves experimenting. Their album is an eclectic mix of styles, from the Clash-like introduction to Bad Buy to the jazzy big band sound of Vanity to the timewarp rock 'n roll rhythm of She's Got.

Escape is pure driving rock complete with wailing lead breaks and vocals wrenched from the gut. Three tracks later, and Ark once again lets their punk roots show with Slip Away.

Ark are listenable, danceable and infinitely likeable.

The only disappointment about this band is that they are no longer together.

Ben Trovato - The Cape Times