Ace Frehley - Space Invader

(CD Album Review)

****
The Spaceman returns!

With the recent war of words with KISS concerning the "Hall of Lame" induction and an ongoing debate on KISS forum's about whether or not the current KISS line up should be wearing the make up of the classic line up. Everyone's favorite KISS member really couldn't have timed the release of his new album any better. After 2009's 'Anomaly' which was a bit of an in one ear and out the other affair 'Space Invader' is a breath of fresh air. It's every bit as fun, infectious and rocking as his Classic self titled solo album released during his time in KISS.

There's fun rocker's like 'What every girl Wants' and 'I wanna hold You' and serious numbers such as 'Change' which displays big riifs and hooks. There is the acoustic led 'Immortal Pleasures' which drifts along nicely before the big chorus. There is a cover of Steve Miller's 'The Joker' which is all well and good but it is filler. The album ends with what is now traditional for Ace's solo albums is the instrumental which incorporates 'Fractured Mirror' which is one of my favorite instrumental tracks ever. 'Starship' works very well it does what it needs to do and closes the album pretty well especially when the opening notes of 'Fractured Mirror' kick in leaving you with a little reminder of why you loved him in the first place.

Ace Frehley has a knack of writing a simple but effective riff and turning it into a hook. He uses repetitiveness to his advantage to create the perfect balance of rock song and pop song. That is why during his time in KISS he wrote the best songs and do the best solo album when they each simultaneously released an album each. 'Space Invader' shows Ace back at the top of his game and will delight long term fans. This is a highly enjoyable album and I think I will purchase a copy on it's release.

Review by Joe Denby