It’s almost unbelievable that since Ace Frehley decided to return with “Anomaly” back in 2009, he has made up for lost ground with a total of 6 studio releases in 15 years. Not bad for a musician who hadn’t done almost anything recording wise for 20 straight years. Also, it goes almost without saying that he remains the only member of the KISS family who continues to write new songs on a consistent basis thus reminding us all something of his former band’s glorious past. Let’s see what “10,000 Volts” had in store for us…
The title track, which was the precursor to the album, brought smiles and excitement to all the Ace Frehley fans everywhere as I personally hadn’t heard such a good first single from him in over 35 years (i.e., since “Second Sighting”). Great riff, classic Ace style and a fantastic band who are clearly all KISS fans and therefore know what to do in the studio. Overall the album contains tracks that combine the classic Ace style of the latter era with the ever present 70s pop aesthetic that Ace really likes. So, for example, “Cherry Medicine” could be a bubblegum/glam anthem while “Back Into My Arms Again” takes us back to 1984 when Ace made his first demo after leaving KISS. For the record, however, I prefer the aesthetic of the first version. The best track on the album though is “Fighting For Life” which is nothing like Ace’s classic style but is a hard rock rollercoaster that sticks you right up against the wall. Last but certainly not least, Steve Brown (Trixter) adds lends a helping hand on the compositions and the production.
Overall “10,000 Volts” is a click below “Space Invader” but definitely much better than “Anomaly” and “Spaceman”. Ace continues to release records while his two former collaborators walk outside of a studio and go the other way…Ace is back and he told you so!
Highlight: We all know that Ace is not…Bob Dylan when it comes to lyrics but he could definitely work a little more in this area.
