While it has never been a state secret who the talented one was in 90s rock group Hole, bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur's first solo outing only cements the claim even further. Simply titled 'Auf Der Maur', everyone's favourite Hole member succeeds where lead singer Courtney Love's solo effort has failed: She has an album which doesn't sound so self absorbed and tiresome.

Of course it doesn't help Ms Love that her place in rock culture has been made redundant ever since Brody Dalle came on the scene. I would also assume the court appearances of late wouldn't be the publicity she was hoping to attract either. You see what happens? One mention of her name and she inadvertently steals the limelight! Back to Melissa!

Like the smart apprentice, Auf Der Maur has been quietly taking notes for a few years whilst under the tutelage of the aforementioned Love and her stint with Billy Corgan during the final days of The Smashing Pumpkins. Refreshingly she hasn't used either of them for her debut but the sounds of both bands can be heard.

With sirens wailing and Jeordie White's (a.k.a. Twiggy Ramirez) grunting guitar, 'Lightning Is My Girl' opens the album with gusto and a confidence like she was never anyone's student. First single 'Real A Lie' is musically similar to 'Machina-era' Pumpkins, complete with brooding verses that explode into arms outstretched choruses that were once Corgan's bread and butter. Eastern influences clash with walls of distortion and spoken word on 'I Need I Want I Will' with former Queens of the Stone Age members Josh Homme and Nick Oliveri lending a hand.

Though the majority of the album tends to rock out, on the few restrained numbers on offer, we find Auf Der Maur having to bring her unproven vocals to the fore. With only piano backing her on 'Overpower Thee' there is no doubt she still has a way to go till she starts matching the likes of Debbie Harry or Shirley Manson. The Cranberries sounding 'Would If I Could' however fares a little better.

As a debut album goes, Auf Der Maur has shown she has the talent and ambition to go it alone. Ignore the superstar guest musicians as Melissa wrote most the album herself (No need for Bernie Taupin for this lady). It will be interesting to see how far she goes with it all because it would be a shame to see her return to a second fiddle role.