The last two offerings from the Vinnie Moore-guitared UFO have been good listens, and this continues the trend. As other reviewers have said, there is a more bluesy feel to a number of songs, but there is some good stuff here for all rock tastes. As with all UFO albums, you need to listen to what and how Phil Mogg sings to get into the song properly. His voice is still up to scratch, and Vinnie really is starting to provide a great foil/backdrop to Phil on this evidence. The rhythm section here is merely proficient, with absolutely no frills or fireworks, just basically keeping the beat and moving the song along. Some good typical UFO moments are to be had with "Hell Driver", "Stop Breaking Down", "Can't Buy a Thrill", and "Villains & Thieves". Overall then a really good listen. Lyrically quirky and brilliant, superb rhythm section and song structure, just tainted here and there by over indulgent guitar work. This is the 20th studio album in a monumental body of work. In my opinion 'The Visitor' is more blues orientated than anything previously released, my only major criticism being that some of the really slick guitar solos don't quite blend with this style. I don't understand how they can record these days with separate musical parts laid down at different studios and later mixed together? Seems like more of a construction project than a rock `n' roll album. There is something lacking, perhaps the live feel, the constant rehearsal, studio togetherness, that improvised magic that makes a song flow? Anyway, I fear they will need to pull something more original out of the hat to carry on to their next recording. New inspiration from the return of Way and Schenker maybe! Surely it can't happen can it? Cross your fingers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
