Growing Pains Friends Vs ***

The first time you hear Growing Pains,you've stumbled across a long-lost Foo Fighters album. That comparison has followed the Leeds trio since day one, thanks to a bunch of monster riffs, which sound as if they've been pickled in aspic since the grunge age, and frontman Matt Bigland's vocal similarities to Dave Grohl. But that's not necessarily a bad thing and the often enaging Growing Painsrocks out with amped-up energy, powerful melodies and cracking, buzzing power-pop tunes. The taut, explosive My Rock'n'Rollis the pick of the bunch, but there's also enjoyable passages on Birds Planesand Broken Knee. The fare on offer isn't remotely new, and you certainly can't imagine the band sticking with the riff-first approach for the long run, but the direct, powerful momentum is enjoyable nonetheless. See myspace.com/dinosaurpileup

Download tracks: Birds Planes, My Rock'n'Roll