ABS, real name Richard Breen, has an uphill battle on his hands and it's nothing to do with his music. It's his name.

Even with his taut and muscular torso, it's a dopey name to be saddled with, and how on earth is Mr Breen to cope when his impressive 'abs' give way to middle-aged saddle-bags and a saggy belly. I fear almost as much time in the gym as in the recording studio lies ahead for our Abs.

To the music. It might not be a sound I favour but he seems to know his stuff and did have a hand in writing most of the songs. His style is Justin Timberlake meets Missy Elliott with high-pitched vocals laced with rap.

Contrast between the melancholy Rain, the funky Back to the Limbo, which cricket fans will find particularly attractive and disco-inspiring Turn Me Up show there is variety and skill in his work which should appeal to many old 5ive fans.

As for me, I'd rather listen to the real Missy while hiding away from the onslaught of all these breakaway and fall-out artists who started off life in other bands. Diana Ross might have shirked off her Supremes but it can't go on for ever - can it?

SCC