News Archive August 2009

Anomaly Review
From: RockEyez.com
Posted: September 10, 2009

It's been twenty years and we finally have it; the new ACE FREHLEY solo CD "Anomaly". To tell you the truth after "Trouble Walkin'" back in 1989, which was a fantastic release I could never imagine Ace Frehley moving on without Richie Scarlet and John Reagan buy his side, but time told the story. Ace finally decided to move on and release a new solo CD. Now I've been a KISS fan from the beginning not like some others who say they always loved KISS. Bullshit. Did they get mocked in school for wearing the KISS t-shirts and during Halloween wearing the grease paint? Most were closet KISS fans and only came out of the woodwork when it benefited them. Real KISS fans dedicated their time, their souls and their life to bringing the world of KISS to the heights of success. Legions of KISS fans around the world traveling to KISS conventions, people like Bill DeMild, Joe Marshall, Steven Campbell, Bill Baker and many, many others were at the forefront and I know I am missing tons more but these are the people that did the job of many.

'Til this day Ace Frehley will always be remembered for his trademark guitar style as new and old try to imitate this legends' sound but there will always be only one Ace, and he has put his touch once again on this, his latest work.

I first popped in the CD on the way to work and wasn't overly impressed with the first couple tracks. But by the time I reached the cove of "Fox on the Run" the CD exploded. What a great rendition that can bust out to be another top seller. Ace truly did a great job, hey if QUIET RIOT can make SLADE' "Cum On Feel The Noize" a hit Ace can do it with "Fox On The Run". One of the songs that totally impressed me was "Genghis Khan" which is kind of in the LED ZEPPELIN vain. There are plenty of tracks on "Anomaly" that I feel Frehley went out on a limb with a complete musical direction change with some melodic and acoustic guitar. Once you pick the CD up you will understand what I mean.

"Too Many Faces" is another fine tune that Frehley fans will adore with plenty of power chords and a powerful solo. Loved this track!

Not sure, but I think Ace got a little spiritual with a couple tracks, one of which is "Change The World". Ace singing about prayer, peace and God. You go ACE! Ah, "Space Bear" finally pops out with sounds of "100,000 Years" & "Goin' Blind" and is just another kick-ass track that brings you back to vintage KISS days!

The next track "A Little Below The Angels" just killed me with how sensitive and heartfelt feelings you get about Ace's life. The track also includes Ace's daughter Monique. I really don't know how much you can grow as a musician but Ace lays it all on the table about his life. This could be one of the best tracks Ace has ever done. Killer chorus, great organ and Ace does an amazing job vocally and it's topped off with "THE ANGELS" (Monique Frehley, Ashley Suppa, Danielle Ciccimarra & Dominique Ciccimara) bringing the song to a choir-like ending. Phenomenal!

But don't think Ace has gone soft because he busts out with "Sister"; a pummeling track that is full-force power. Heavy power cords, searing guitar solos... Blast off Ace... Damn this boy is HOT!!!

Check out the next song "It's A Great Life" as it kind of sounds like Morris Day's "Jungle Love" from the movie "Purple Rain" but still holds a Frehley flare... pretty wild!

Ace ends with a cool acoustic track that could have been pulled from a Randy Jackson (ZEBRA) set; beautiful acoustics with touches of brilliant electric leads. After the first couple tracks, Ace has a masterpiece piece on his hands and once again the man himself pours his heart out on this one with personal memories and an uplifting future. I didn't think he could top "Trouble Walkin'" but I guess that is why he is called a legend.

Last thing check out the CD cover, when you open it, it turns into a 3D pyramid.