UK rock legends return with their first album in 3 years, since the excellent Monkey Puzzle. A fine sounding set it is too, with singer and founder member Phil Mogg leading longtime members Vinnie Moore (guitar), Andy Parker (drums) and Paul Raymond (guitar/keyboards). Strangely, though, it’s not clear who plays bass on the album as Pete Way is currently ill with liver trouble.

Anway, 'Saving Me' opens excellently in a blues acoustic fashion with a riff that continues with the song turns electric, an good way to kick off.

Where Vinnie Moore fits in so well is that, with all the excellent solos and shred he provides, it’s all done in a band unit, playing melodically when necessary; so at no time does it get overdone or tiresome.

At times Phil Mogg’s voice hints at David Coverdale (melodic mid-range), but that’s no bad thing, the overall vibe works.

'Stop Breaking Down' is a heartfelt number, solid, gentle yet heavy, and some excellent guitar work. There’s some more rough’n’ready acoustic slide in the intro to 'Rock Ready', the band showing their versatility and ability to just enjoy themselves. One I hope they play live.

One for both UFO fans and fans of decent British hard rock.

And the campaign to bring back Pete Way starts here.

****

Review by Joe Geesin

Reissues

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