If you’re after a record that sounds like it’s equally at home in a smoky basement and played on a bright spring morning, then look no further. Sylvia Sands returns for her second album after playing, well, pretty much every European Rock n Roll event, and ‘I’m A Cheater’ is a delightful slice of vinyl that shows off the full range of her passions and vocal talent.

What we love most about this record is how much she’s taken her sound back to its roots without losing any of its vibrancy. Her lyrics are honest, detailing the turbulence of love without falling into cliche, and when she gets bluesy with her pared-down backing on numbers like ‘I Would Drive You Crazy’, her sound becomes that much more fun. We even get the pre-made party in the form of ‘Strollin’ With Miss Sands’ which is basically like flipping the on-switch for the dancefloor.

There’s plenty of sweetness to temper her heartbroken blues too. The dream-like ‘So Unexpectedly’ drifts through the night sky, and even the lonely ‘So Near So Far’ is incredibly hopeful and lovely in its simplicity. Taking on Wanda Jackson’s ‘Funnel Of Love’ is a tall order, but Sands pulls it off with love and twang.

Sylvia Sands has yet to come to the UK, but with her raw and classy take on a timeless sound when she finally gets here. ‘I’m A Cheater’ is a welcome take on the Rock n Roll sound that’ll delight the purists and contains a real, genuine fervour for her timeless music.

Kate Allvey

Preorder your CD copy of ‘I’m A Cheater’ here