'Anomaly' Track By Track Review
Source: www.backstageaxxess.com
Source: www.backstageaxxess.com
The wait is finally over! One of the most influential axemen of our time is releasing new material. It's been 20 years since his last solo album, and Ace Frehley's "Anomaly" is set to hit store shelves on September 15th. It's being released on Ace's own label, Bronx Born Records. Anomaly, by definition, is an angle in a planet's orbit or something peculiar. This CD is from "Outer Space" and it's true to the Spaceman himself, Ace Frehley, lead guitar (rhythm, bass and acoustic too). Anthony Esposito mans the bass on most of the tracks with Anton Fig on drums.
The CD starts out with that smokin'guitar sound that never stops. The first two cuts "Foxy & Free" and "Outer Space," are reminiscent of Ace's solo album, released in 1978, when he was the lead guitarist for the rock band KISS. His signature ethereal sound dominates the CD.
"Pain in the Neck" offers some comic relief lyrically, complete with a chorus of whiny vocals and a whimsical bridge/transition. There's a brief circus-like calypso sound, then heavy guitar returns. Next, Ace breathes new life into an old favorite with "Fox on the Run." He changed it up enough to make it his own, yet kept the original Sweet version intact.
"Genghis Kahn" has an acoustic intro and is mostly instrumental with lyrical simplicity. There's even the bang of a gong toward the end of the track following a Genghis shout out. The simple lyrics allow the listener to focus more on the music.
"Too Many Faces" sounds as if it could be a lost track from KISS'Unmasked album. The lyrics on this cut are self searching and reflective. Ace keeps in touch with his sensitive side in "Change the World," setting a softer tone by reminding us to keep trying. "Space Bear brings the heavy back, showcasing some Ace Frehley signature guitar riffs. It's a powerful instrumental that ends with the familiar sound of his guitar's toggle switch.
"A Little Below The Angels," takes on a spiritual feel and seems like an autobiographical rendition of Ace's latest transition to sobriety. I love the lyrics on this one. Ace's daughter Monique asks her father if he's ever seen an angel and layered children's voices sing a chorus. This track really stands out as something different, yet fits right in on this CD.
"Sister" comes on strong, keeping a good balance between sensitive and rockin'out! A funky rhythm brings Ace back to more reflection in "It's a Great Life." A stand out line on this track is "I paid a high price for all I done wrong." That about sums it up.
This literal work of art culminates with its final cut "Fractured Quantum." It's "Fractured Mirror - Part IV" and begins with the sounds of children playing at the beach. This predominantly acoustic instrumental is piled high with several layers of guitars. It's sure to take you back to "Fractured Mirror" from his first solo album (31 years ago, if you're keeping track), I really like the flow of this CD. Ace mixes up the tempo but never lets you forget his style.
As an added bonus, Ace Frehley's artwork (hence, work of art) decorates this CD package with an insert that folds into a pyramid, sporting album art and a picture of Ace on a motorcycle.
Check it out and take a trip into "Outer Space" with Space Ace!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Review by Dee Haley
The CD starts out with that smokin'guitar sound that never stops. The first two cuts "Foxy & Free" and "Outer Space," are reminiscent of Ace's solo album, released in 1978, when he was the lead guitarist for the rock band KISS. His signature ethereal sound dominates the CD.
"Pain in the Neck" offers some comic relief lyrically, complete with a chorus of whiny vocals and a whimsical bridge/transition. There's a brief circus-like calypso sound, then heavy guitar returns. Next, Ace breathes new life into an old favorite with "Fox on the Run." He changed it up enough to make it his own, yet kept the original Sweet version intact.
"Genghis Kahn" has an acoustic intro and is mostly instrumental with lyrical simplicity. There's even the bang of a gong toward the end of the track following a Genghis shout out. The simple lyrics allow the listener to focus more on the music.
"Too Many Faces" sounds as if it could be a lost track from KISS'Unmasked album. The lyrics on this cut are self searching and reflective. Ace keeps in touch with his sensitive side in "Change the World," setting a softer tone by reminding us to keep trying. "Space Bear brings the heavy back, showcasing some Ace Frehley signature guitar riffs. It's a powerful instrumental that ends with the familiar sound of his guitar's toggle switch.
"A Little Below The Angels," takes on a spiritual feel and seems like an autobiographical rendition of Ace's latest transition to sobriety. I love the lyrics on this one. Ace's daughter Monique asks her father if he's ever seen an angel and layered children's voices sing a chorus. This track really stands out as something different, yet fits right in on this CD.
"Sister" comes on strong, keeping a good balance between sensitive and rockin'out! A funky rhythm brings Ace back to more reflection in "It's a Great Life." A stand out line on this track is "I paid a high price for all I done wrong." That about sums it up.
This literal work of art culminates with its final cut "Fractured Quantum." It's "Fractured Mirror - Part IV" and begins with the sounds of children playing at the beach. This predominantly acoustic instrumental is piled high with several layers of guitars. It's sure to take you back to "Fractured Mirror" from his first solo album (31 years ago, if you're keeping track), I really like the flow of this CD. Ace mixes up the tempo but never lets you forget his style.
As an added bonus, Ace Frehley's artwork (hence, work of art) decorates this CD package with an insert that folds into a pyramid, sporting album art and a picture of Ace on a motorcycle.
Check it out and take a trip into "Outer Space" with Space Ace!
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Review by Dee Haley
'Foxy & Free'
'Fox On The Run'
'Pain In The Neck'
'Change The World'
'A Little Below The Angels'
'Fox On The Run'
'Pain In The Neck'
'Change The World'
'A Little Below The Angels'
