'Songs To Live And Die For' is a confident-sounding start from rock/soul duo Breathe and this confidence isn't just confined to their somewhat brave title. Jon Marett and Jeremiah Williamson bask in the sunlight of yearning, lovelorn and powerful songwriting. Williamson's voice stands out from the crowd for its ability to soothe and disarm in equal measure whilst Marett picks his way through a variety of guitars maintaining a tight hold on proceedings and rocking out when needed to. For the first four tracks proceedings go swimmingly; on 'Empty Vessel' Marett's spanish guitar provides the perfect foil for Williamson's impassioned cries, the title track boasts another strong chorus, 'Hidden' is the piano-laden tale of lost love and by 'Get Out' the trusty spanish guitar is re-used delightfully. Thereafter fine moments are more sporadic with faintly memorable mid-tempo tracks struggling to maintain that early high standard. At least the spare 'Love Me' tingles the spine a little and 'Cold' makes a lot more sense in its live form. There's a great mini album here and Breathe show enough talent to suggest a highly fruitful career.