Search - UFO :: Monkey Puzzle

Not really a disappointment...

Chris Jordan | Surrey, B.C. Canada | 03/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"UFO have always dabbled with new sounds and in reality, if you look at tracks like "One More For The Rodeo" and even some of the tracks on "Walk On Water" like "Venus" it is likely Phil Mogg's influence or persuasion, perhaps, that has seen the band compose some bluesy or even country and western style songs in the band's past history. Vinnie Moore's American influence has added even more of that blues flavour now, too. Although, again, even Schenker was playing that style on both "Walk On Water" and "Sharks" at times. So for UFO fans to say that the band has abandoned their former style, I think is a bit harsh.



There are still a few straight ahead rockers on here, and yes, they've added the black gospel style singers on the backing vocals at times, but it works. This is a solid UFO album. Phil is still writing decent, passionate, down to earth lyrics that people can relate to. You can't really say a lot of bad about this band. Even when they've tried something here that is a bit outside of their norm, the talent of the musicians pulls it off just fine. Don't get me wrong, I've had enough of the typical blues rock coming from the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, George Thorogood and the like, to last me a lifetime, but when you've got a guy like Vinnie Moore on the guitar you know something good will come. The rest of the band is tight, as always (regardless of who seems to be at the rhythm helm). Mogg, as well, has this uncanny knack of sounding mundane and unassuming and yet, is able to pull off some excellent melodies within the song that really stick with you... He's no ballad boy, but his singing style doesn't annoy a person over time, either."