Kevin Bryan delivers his verdict on some of this week's CD releases.

Amber Cross,"Savage on the Downhill"(Self-Released)-If there was any justice in this benighted world the name of Amber Cross would already be as familiar to devotees of the finest Americana as luminaries such as Nanci Griffith and Iris DeMent, and the California based singer-songwriter's latest self-released offering is already a strong contender for roots music album of the year despite the fact that 2019 is barely a month old. "Savage on the Downhill" boasts instrumental contributions from Canadian singer-songwriter Ray Bonneville and "Transatlantic Sessions" stalwart Tim O'Brien but Amber is very much the star of the show as she serves up captivating ditties such as "Pack of Lies," "Trinity Gold Mine" and "Echoes" for your listening pleasure.

"The Other Side of Chas & Dave" (Edsel)- Chas and Dave's unique fusion of working class Cockney culture, music hall humour and New Orleans rock'n'roll is heard at its most laid-back and mellow during this warm hearted anthology, which Chas Hodges helped to assemble as a genuine "labour of love" before his untimely death a few months ago. "I Miss Ya Girl," "That Old Piano" and "One O' Them Days" capture the essence of the duo's instantly identifiable sound, and the package closes with a welcome reprise of their 1982 hit, "Ain't No Pleasing You."

"American Anthems" (Demon Music)- Sony Music's vast global archives provide the subject matter for Demon's latest fun filled foray into the world of the CD anthology. The hundred tracks on offer in this eclectic collection run the gamut from sixties gems such as Scott McKenzie's "San Francisco" and The Gun's "Race With The Devil" to classic rock offerings from the likes of Blue Oyster Cult, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Boston, who chip in with the genuinely anthemic "More Than A Feeling."

Calva Louise, "Rhinoceros" (Modern Sky Records)-Multi-national trio Calva Louise make their album debut with one of the most energised and infectious indie rock packages that I've come across in many a long day. Singer-guitarist Jess Allanic and her like-minded cohorts set the ball rolling in fine style with the blistering opener, "I Heard A Cry," which serves as a perfect vehicle for their sublime marriage of punk energy and surreal pop sensibilities alongside stand-out tracks, "Wondertale" and "Down The Stream."