Angus Young's nephew Stevie, the new rhythm guitarist, blends perfectly with its precise runs and riffs into an ensemble. Authentic it is not, although Malcolm missing. Is mainly because that one is limited exclusively to what you do best - frills blues-rock with memorable choruses. Straight times 35 minutes of playing time, but at least 11 songs offers "Rock or Bust". Four less than on the much ausladenderen predecessor "Black Ice" (2008). All Killers, No Fillers to time to try an old phrase. Also striking: Not a single title breaks the four-minute mark. Stylistically reminds me much of the I also highly appreciated "Stiff Upper Lip" album of 2000. Then too were especially good humor and compelling melodies in the foreground.
The title track combines both elements. Brian Johnson's raspy voice is to the point because, to tightes drumming and perfectly timed riffs. So you know that as a fan for decades and just want to hear it. Although the familiar ingredients are served, nothing sounds like a cliché here abgehalftert or his self. Instant can sing along to the chorus, the structure is simple as ever. Yet it unfolds immediately, this incomparable charisma that AC / DC brought bombastic sales regularly. They know how to do it.
Another track concise device the first single, "Play Ball". Just 2:47 in length and from the first note irresistible. No other band can achieve a greater effect with such few resources. Not a note too much, no angeberisches guitar droning, just more fun rock and roll without frills. This music sounds like an anachronism and that is so refreshing. In fast-paced digital age Angus and the boys act as a relic of days gone by, like a hard rock dinosaur that impressively demonstrated his strength. Oh yes and the two music videos for "Play Ball" and "Rock or Bust" substantiate this impression. Glossy productions look definitely different.
It is no longer out of the jubilation. The straight "Rock the Blues Away" is a first-class feel-good number. Summer, sun and a pretty girl - needs more of the common AC / DC fan not to be happy (if you leave out the alcohol times). Where the hell is this incredible chorus from? I close my eyes and verdrücke a sentimental joy little tears.
The party mode remains on. "Miss Adventure" with its adrenaline-soaked Power Reef and the oil passage Shouts rult enormous. Since you do not need high-speed grenades to be happy. It is striking that very much attention was paid to a high recognition value at whole new material. Accordingly melody oriented is the entire album. You could say: 80 skirt with a little more edge.
The dangerous "Dogs of War" sounds like the mangy brother of "War Machine". Satter Groove, unforgettable chorus. I can not believe what is offered here for a year. Will popping powerful on tour.
Even handclaps act on "Got some rock and roll thunder" by no means out of place. All is permitted that brings joy and who is not happy mitklatscht here, the is not be helped. This must be the rock heaven.
After some conventional "Hard Times" my personal favorite sprints off. "Baptism By Fire" is the only real uptempo song LP. Brimming with testosterone and all rock clichés. A killer. Foaming at the mouth I cry myself to Nirvana. Unbridled energy. A chorus to kneel. Thank you thank you thank you !!!!
"Rock the House", "Sweet Candy" and "Emission Control" have got a bit weaker, but that does nothing at all. Seven Kracher and four very good numbers - what more could you want?
Given the painful exit of Malcolm Young, who had been involved in every album, the power must be assessed higher on "Rock or Bust". It affects all correctly so loose flaky and carefree, as if one had to sometimes just placed an afternoon together and jammed it happening. But it was not certain. AC / DC wanted her fans once more provide a milestone and succeeded them without restrictions. "Black Ice" was okay, but now you could assign a clear conscience in a final climax.
In addition, the production of Brendan O'Brien fails pleasant oldschool, even if they ("commercial" ie) should appear many little too streamlined. Reduced to the essentials, yet with an eye for the needs of the market. Two guitars, a bass, a drum, to Brian Johnson's unmistakable horny screaming - ladies and gentlemen, so is written history! That here the music is without batting an eyelid from any innovation claim free, is part of the DNA of the band. Who wants to hear demanding compositions, must look elsewhere.
One may not have to worry about the fact that this is probably the last AC / DC album is at all. Instead, rather again and again press the repeat button. Life can be so beautiful.
