Spring Break
AC/DC's new album: are they back in black?
Kevin Kirsche
Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Arts & Culture
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As rock and roll has become a formula with bands copying each other it's nice to see an old face innovate the rock and roll arena. After years of Xerox copied bands many have wanted nothing more than to go back to the original - AC/DC.
Back in Blacker?
If you mistakenly called "Black Ice" "Back in Blacker" you wouldn't be too far off. With the exception of a few areas where this album falls short, "Black Ice" delivers an exhilarating ride through the approximately 55 minute album. "Black Ice" features an interesting combination of power chords and drum beats that will ripple up and down your spine as you listen.
Brendan O'Brien is back as producer on "Black Ice" in a way few producers can match. The production is unique because you don't notice what they've done to strengthen the album. In an age where the producer runs the show it's a pleasant change to see a producer who does not impose their own rules and allows the artists to actively assist in the production of the album.
O'Brien follows in the footsteps of Mutt Lange, producer for such classic songs as "Back in Black" and "Highway to Hell," allowing AC/DC's true spirit to shine through.
"Black Ice" is produced in such a way that it allows you to hear every cymbal crash made by Phil Rudd, every single note plucked by Cliff Williams, and every part of the classic guitar work of Angus and Malcolm Young as they work together in ways that few can match. This isn't just rock 'n' roll, this is art - and that's not a bad thing.
"Black Ice" begins with "Rock 'N' Roll Train," the first single off the album, a powerful and unmistakable opener. This track has been circulating on the radio and it's obvious that Brian Johnson, lead singer, has grown into his voice. Johnson's voice no longer seems stressed to hit notes as it has been in the past.
"Black Ice" then follows into "Skies on Fire" and "Big Jack,"an up-tempo power chord filled track perfect for any stereo. The album moves through such tracks as "Anything Goes" and "War Machine" until we get to the album's first mediocre track entitled "Smash N Grab".
This mid-tempo track features the stereotypical sound, yet leaves you wondering what happened. It's not bad but this one just isn't one for the ages and will be easily forgotten once you are done with the album.
Continuing down the highway, we arrive at the song "Wheels," which features some of the best instrumental breaks of the album. The album continues with powerful riffs until the ballad "Rock N Roll Drum."
This track slows down the fast pace that AC/DC had been building throughout the album. This change of direction is one that is welcome to listeners as it brings you through a dreamlike sound. Sadly this sound doesn't stay for long as we proceed to the final two tracks of the album, "Rocking All The Way" and the title track "Black Ice."
"Black Ice" is exactly what a title track should be, featuring powerful chords and a chance for drummer Phil Rudd to show listeners exactly what a drummer should do.
The album, "Black Ice," expands on AC/DC's style and can be added to any classic AC/DC collection. Anyone who has enjoyed AC/DC in the past is sure to enjoy this soon-to-be classic album.
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