THE conveyer belt of US rap/rock bands rolls on endlessly. Sing in a whine or grunt, add heavy guitars and bass, throw in hillbilly-type goatee beards and you're away.

It seems to work, despite the lack of variety or innovation, and fair enough to those who are into it, ditto those who make their living from it. Hot Action Cop do fall into the rap/rock pool, but are set to swim around on the edges, having had the cheek to try something a bit different. The crunch of guitar is still well and truly there, but the band believe in harmonies and melodies too on this self-titled debut. For purists there are winning tunes like Club Slut, while the unavoidable mawkish ballad The Special wastes a potentially tasty groove and Show Her and Alaya are gently done. Could be a surprise success, this.

Updated: 10:30 Thursday, July 10, 2003