New releases this week: Rock

Review: Who can forget Maneskin's triumph for rock on the Eurovision stage as they brought the win for Italy in 2021? In Damiano David, the Italian band have a natural born frontman who is now having his Harry Styles moment and stepping out on his own and forging a distinctive solo career to rival the day job. Despite being labelled a glam rock outfit, Maneskin's pop element always shone brightly and so for his debut solo album David has tapped more heavily into that side of his. David's embraced co-writes and in terms of the production he has thrown the kitchen sink at it to get a massive sound. 'The First Time' has more hooks than a fisherman's tackle box and a sweeping epic Sprinsteen-esque feel. Another highlight 'Next Summer', lets David's vocals star, but the arrangement is unexpectedly massive. Despite its sparse beginning it turns into an orchestral showstopper indicative of the seemingly vast resources the label have had to craft this beauty.

Review: Multi-genre acrobats and 70s American rockers The Doobie Brothers are back with more silky smooth signature harmonies from their home base in California with Walk This Road, a ten-tracker that unites core members Patrick Simmons, Tom Johnston, John McFee and Michael McDonald. It was produced by John Shanks and does a fine job of working each member's unique songwriting style into a cohesive collection. Themes of recovery, reflection and spiritual awakening run throughout, with Simmons describing it as "waking up to see the important things you've been missing." The title track has the legendary Mavis Staples and stands out as a fine soulful anthem of unity and hope that will resonate in any era.