RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke
UFO – The Visitor
SPV
http://www.insideout.de/
Rating: B+
Ever since British hard rock legends finally parted ways with guitarist Michael Schenker and closed the chapter on that part of their history, it seems as if they’ve been slowly rebuilding their credibility. Since the release of 2004’s You Are Here album, the first to feature Schenker’s replacement Vinnie Moore, they have been forging ahead and carving out a new identity for themselves. This is something that is immediately apparent right from the opening notes of their new album The Visitor.
The past events with Schenker, and even bassist Pete Way’s recent legal troubles (as well as news of his unfortunate illness at the time of this writing) have contributed to the general dysfunctional feeling surrounding the band over the years. However, with Moore on board and contributing heavily in the song writing department, this seasoned shredder has played an important role in steering the ship back towards the respectability they so rightfully deserve.
Vocalist Phil Mogg has long been known as one of rock’s most colorful lyricists and it’s his vivid imagery that has played such an integral role with regards to setting the tone and mood of each song. Moore is keenly aware of this importance because he constructs his chugging riffs and short explosive solos in such a way that it perfectly complements and augments Phil’s exotic tales. Check out Moore’s bloozy slide infused intro on “Saving Me” or the mighty swampy feel of “Rock Ready” for further proof that UFO is once again becoming a viable force in the classic rock arena. This is not to necessarily suggest that they’ve ever gone away for long, because they haven’t. However, once you hear Vinnie’s blistering solo on the aforementioned “Saving Me” or the catchy hooks and meaty riffs contained in “Villains & Thieves” and “Stranger In Town”, there shouldn’t be too much of a debate as to whether or not the material on The Visitor can hold its own alongside the classics in their live shows.
If you’re a fan of the ‘classic’ UFO sound then you really need to pick up a copy of The Visitor. The songs here not only retain that vintage feeling of their heyday, but they also demonstrate that this version of the band has really begun to gel as a unit.
-Ryan Sparks
CLASSIC ROCK REVISITED - copyright 2009
