8/10

Having been the vocal juggernaut and style icon at the front of Gossip for nearly twenty years, Beth Ditto made the obvious career move when the band finally folded last year and went solo. Yet while her time in Gossip was mostly filled with fronting a high-octane mix of disco and electro, 'Fake Sugar' sees her take on a more humble direction as she swaps synthesisers for classic rock n roll on her debut solo release.

In fairness though, there isn't really a style of music Ditto wouldn't excel at. Her voice has been largely seen as one of the best in the business for years, but the more sultry tone she has taken here certainly suits her vocal style down to a tee. Made up largely of subtle guitar licks and a galloping pace, 'Fake Sugar' is separated from her conventional sound just enough to give her the legroom to really let loose and deliver something with confidence and aplomb.

With absolute belters like 'We Could Run', 'Oo La La' and 'Fire' giving her opportunities to really unleash her clear power-rock influences, 'Fake Sugar' is that rare mix of familiar and intriguing that just keeps you hooked throughout. A wonderful return for this undoubted talent and a positive note for her career to come.