August 19,2014 is set to be a day for all original KISS fans to rejoice; former guitarist of KISS, Ace Frehley, is set to debut his sixth solo album, the aptly named, Space Invader. While many are quick to dismiss KISS as gimmick-dependent band, this album shows that beyond the face paint and flames, Frehley has still got it.
The album begins momentously with Space Invader. This is a gritty, driving opener that follows close enough to the original KISS formula to draw interest from their fans, but one that features a guitar solo that could still blow Tommy Thayer away. Next up is the album’s first single, Gimme a Feelin’, a somewhat predictable rock anthem that is nonetheless set for commercial success. Accordingly, What Every Girl Wants includes thinly veiled sexual lyrics and a persuasive call and response chorus, serving as an ode to the sex fueled rock and roll anthems of the 70’s and 80’s before it.
Inside the Vortex opens with a rolling, heavy bass line that grabs the attention of the listener, making it arguably one of the better songs on the album. Continuing the space theme is Past the Milky Way. This a relatively softer song that proves to be another stand out track, with its killer solo taking up most of its latter half. The album closes with a cover of Steve Miller’s The Joker. Ace is no stranger to covers, but this one follows too closely to the original. Save for its short-lived generic guitar solo, a more ambitious attempt might have made the cover worthwhile.
With tracks that stand up to classic Frehley and sound like they came straight out of the late 70’s, this is an album that will please both KISS and Ace fans alike. That said, if compared to some of its rock and roll predecessors, its solos are occasionally a little metal-paint-by-numbers. Like much of KISS’ work, the album itself is entertaining, if at times a tad generic.
Verdict: 4 out of 5 – One thing is clear: Ace Frehley is back at it again, and with rock anthems and killer solos galore, Space Invader doesn’t disappoint.
