Two years after wowing fans with a debut album of electronic pop, Phiraphand Charnsethikul returns to the recording scene, this time with a solid rock and roll outing he's named "Defenders of the Faith".

"I don't want to be stuck with any one music style," claims Phiraphand, who's also known by the nickname Solid State. "Good music isn't limited by genre. It's based on lifestyle, thoughts, viewpoints and experiences, not on a fixed format of lyrics and melodies."

Among the musicians who have contributed to "Defen-ders of the Faith" are Apart-ment Khunpa's frontman Tul Waitoonkiat and guitarist Piyanart Jotikasatien, Groove Riders' singer Burin Bun-  visut, Sqweez Animal's guitarist Kan Rujinarong and     Jida Niyomsrisakul.

"Rock and roll is dynamic, it's full of energy," says Phiraphand, who's a fan of such iconic figures as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. "I love playing my Leo Fender Jazzmaster guitar in front of an audience and whipping up their enthusiasm.

"Most of the songs are based on my life and the people around me, with the exceptions of 'Sasarn' ['Substance'], which is about social ills and 'Loke Man Luang Lok' ['Disgusted World'], which talks about broken promises.

"I chose the cover of David Bowie's 'As the World Falls Down', because I like the lyrics and it goes well with Burin's vocals."

And what about the title?

"I called it 'Defenders' because this album isn't down to me but all the production team," he says. "I have faith in myself, my work and my friends - all artists and musicians."