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MSG ‘Arachnophobiac’ Mascot Records M70812 (2003)
Michael Schenker returns with yet another line-up of his band, retaining
just vocalist Chris Logan from the last album. Joining them are drummer
Jeremy Colson and respected bass player Stu Hamm. ‘Evermore’ kicks the album
off in style, being a mid-paced rocker and Schenker’s chugging riffs driving
the song along nicely, before he blasts out a stylish solo midway through
the track. ‘Illusion’ features a great vocal from Chris Logan, who writes
all the lyrics on here with Schenker composing all the music.
After a slow start it soon kicks-in and has a catchy chorus, plus crystal clear
percussion in the background. The title track is sheer class, the sort of
song you can remember after just one play. Again benefiting from a hook
laden riff and chorus, with Schenker joined by Night Ranger’s Jeff Watson on
guitars (he also pops up on three other tracks as well). Chris Logan comes
all over Axl Rose on this one (but a damn sight better)!
It is Molly Hatchett on ‘Rock And Roll Beliver’ with its modern day
Southern rock feel. The lyrics all rock fans can relate to in that music
stays in your blood despite getting older! ‘Into The Sands Of Time’ brings
the tempo down slowly but the guitars keep their place high in the mix,
adding nicely to the harmony vocals. When I first heard ‘Weathervane’ I
thought the Cult had joined MSG! Logan sounds spookily like Ian Astbury and
this coupled with a rumbling riff gives it a real Cult feel. Heaviest track
belongs to ‘Alive’ which explodes in a flurry of guitar and double time
drumming, with Logan in fine form. Couple of tracks are okay - the
semi-ballad ‘Over Now’ and the closing track ‘Fatal Strike’. Not bad songs
just nothing spectacular like much of the other material on here.
Good to see Schenker back and it is a fine album, plenty to please fans’
of catchy hard rock tunes. It’s a grower and worth the effort, following on
from the excellent Phil Mogg fronted Sign of 4 from last year. It seems the
past and present members of UFO are having more fun away from the band, with
a reformed Waysted to come yet as well!
Website
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Review by Jason Ritchie
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***** Out of this world | **** Pretty
damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly |
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