Kudos to this bunch of 60 year olds (ok, guitarist Vinnie Moore is in his late forties…) for not calling it quits and walk around at home in their slippers doing nothing. And unlike some of their contemporaries, they still know how to record and write music that doesn’t feel old and washed up. No, U.F.O. has proven with their latest albums,
including this one, that they still have got what it takes to rock for real and still make music that sounds fresh and inspiring. In fact, this album might be one of the best, if not the best, they have made in recent years and that is without founder / bassist / song writer Pete Way in the band. The guy’s hard living has finally taken its toll on him and he had to get on hiatus for a while to rest up!
Back to the album. First song ”Fright Night” is a real killer. Edgy, hard, groovy and very much UFO. ”Wonderland” is a great rocker with a bit of a Deep Purple influence, ”Mojo Town” has a Zeppelin-ish killer groove and ”The Last Stone Rider” bounces off great with a heavy swing that makes it impossible to stand still.
In ”Waving Goodbye” they have a bit of a surprise. It’s a half-ballad and a bit poppy at times and it could actually give them a hit if luck comes along. Fantastic!
UFO keep on releasing great albums and ”new” guitarist Vinnie Moore has turned into a classic UFO guitarist. If you’re an UFO fan, then buying this album is a no-brainer, because it really is great.
Jon Wilmenius (8/10)
Tracklist:
1. Fight Night
2. Wonderland
3. Mojo Town
4. Angel Station
5. Year Of The Gun
6. The Last Stone Rider
7. Steal Yourself
8. Burn Your House Down
9. The Fear
10. Waving Good Bye
11. Other Men’s Wives (Bonus Track)
12. Bag O’ Blues (Bonus Track)
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