R E V I E W S

UFO: You Are Here (Steamhammer/ SPV, 2004) reviewed by: Vinaya Saksena

Track Listing1. Daylight Goes To Town 2. Black Cold Coffee 3. The Wild One 4. Give It Up 5. Call Me 6. Slipping Away 7. The Spark That Is Us 8. Sympathy 9. Mr. Freeze 10. Jello Man 11. Baby Blue 12. Swallow

You are here. I am here. And against truly stupefying odds, so is the new UFO studio album "You Are Here". Classic Rocker's Instinct would certainly indicate that this is more than sufficient cause for rejoicing. However, the band's seemingly unstoppable decline following their reunion with Germany's legendary "Mad Axeman" Michael Schenker sent conflicting messages to their loyal, but increasingly frustrated fan base. Their 1994 "comeback" album Walk On Water was easily the strongest UFO album in recent memory, but its follow-ups, Covenant and Sharks, proved to be something of a musical anti-climax (Schenker's Written In The Sand, from the same period, was conspicuously stronger). And don't even ask about the ensuing tours. The on and off-stage disasters that occurred are all too well documented.

Clearly, something had to change, and unfortunately, it was determined that Michael Schenker and the rest of the band could no longer work together. Fortunately, however, what could have been a final crushing blow to UFO turned out to be something of a blessing in disguise. Joined by reputed American shredder Vinny Moore and drummer Jason Bonham (John's son), long-time members Phil Mogg, Pete Way and recently reinstated keyboardist/ rhythm guitarist Paul Raymond have finally recaptured the classic UFO spark that had been lacking on their last two studio albums (both made in Raymond's absence).

After years of drift and decline, Mogg and Co. seem to be well aware that You Are Here could be their last chance to prove that they are still a viable act; and they don't waste a moment in re-establishing their credibility. "Daylight Goes To Town" welcomes the listener like an old friend at a surprise party. "Black Cold Coffee" proves it's no fluke, recalling the progressive riff genius of Schenker-era classics like "Reasons Love" and "This Kids." And against all odds, the quality levels established on these two fine tracks rarely wanes at all.

You Are Here, in fact, sounds like the record UFO were trying to make with Covenant and Sharks, but couldn't quite muster until now. Yes, unlike those albums, which often felt more like a recording project, this sounds like the work of a happily unified band. The pleasures are plentiful, with tracks like “Jello Man” and “Mr. Freeze” showing a newfound maturity to the band’s heavier side, while “Slipping Away” and “Baby Blue” are wistful and poignant. The rest of the album runs the gamut between straightforward, carefree, upbeat rockers and slightly moodier, more adventurous and experimental numbers. (Note: At least two tracks feature riffs and progressions lifted from Vinny Moore’s solo albums.) Victory’s Tommy Newton provides excellent, hi-fidelity production; clean, clear and sonically rich to match the band’s rejuvenated songwriting skills. And while he is no Michael Schenker, Mr. Moore proves himself more than up to the task of embellishing and coloring the songs, while Jason Bonham fits in marvelously, creating effortless and rock solid grooves that fit the band’s sound superbly.

Who’d have thought it? UFO have seen considerable ups and downs in recent years, but You Are Here shows them hitting their stride once again. In fact, it could be argued that the split with Schenker produced two supremely cool bands instead of one. I recently saw Schenker play a superb set to a packed club with his latest incarnation of MSG, and UFO appeared ready to follow suit with a US tour until encountering visa problems. Let’s hope they can resolve the matter soon. With such a strong album in tow, the prospect of a UFO tour seems promising. And that’s something we haven’t been able to say with such confidence in years.

Rating: 8.6


--Vinaya Saksena 05.28.04

CD	TITLE	BAND	DOR	REVIEWER	DATE
	You Are Here	UFO	2004	Ken Pierce	12/13/2004
	You Are Here	UFO	2004	Vinaya	5/28/2004

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