FIRE-BREATHING, lizard-tongued Kiss bassist recently proclaimed that rock is dead. Try telling that to the likes of Vintage Trouble, Halestorm and Black Stone Cherry, all firing on all cylinders and all packing out shows wherever they play. Add to that list of sizzling talent, Rival Sons.

A couple of years ago Rival Sons were third on the bill to Queensryche and Judas Priest, but quickly marked themselves down as ones to watch. Their latest album, Great Western Valkyrie, garnered five-star reviews and it's an undeniable coup for promoters to bring Rival Sons to Wearside.

Vocalist Jay Buchanan is cut from the same cloth as some of rock's greats combining the smooth tones of Jim Morrison with the holler of Robert Plant, but with enough individuality to give him his own unique identity. Guitarist Scott Holiday cut a fine figure bedecked in shades and Gibson Firebird in hand cranking out some seriously delicious riffs during Secret and Tell Me Something.

Rival Sons look like they've stepped off the cover of GQ magazine with sharp suits and finely-sculptured facial adornments yet they rock hard with a swagger and a deep, deep groove with drummer Mike Miley and bassist Dave Best locked so tightly together that you couldn't slip of Rizla between them.

With The Point packed out on a Monday night and an incendiary performance by the Californian rockers proving beyond doubt that far from being dead, rock is very much alive and kicking.

Mick Burgess