UFO – ‘Seven Deadly’
I attended my first UFO concert back in high school with my best friend Mike. I was anxious to catch the British hard-rockers live and up close since borrowing a copy of “Strangers in the Night,” considered by many rock critics as one of the finest live rock albums ever released. After experiencing an electrifying show featuring classics like “Doctor Doctor,” “Rock Bottom,” “Shoot Shoot,” “Lights Out” and “Only You Can Rock Me,” I was completely hooked. Over the last 20 years, I’ve tried to catch UFO any time the band makes a Pittsburgh appearance. Even after more than 40 years of cranking out a vast assortment of classic tunes, the rock legends still continue to perform thunderous live shows and create equally rocking albums.
“Seven Deadly” is the band’s 21st studio release and contains another impressive performance from sizzling start to captivating close. At 63, singer Phil Mogg’s vocals still sound soulful and tough as he punches out the gritty opener, “Fight Night.” The riveting guitar work of Vinnie Moore shines on the bruising tracks “Wonderland,” “Mojo Town” and “The Last Stone Rider.”
Drummer Andy Parker and guitarist Paul Raymond steadily and surely provide a strong rhythm section as the band’s arrangements maintain a bluesy edge. At no point do the songs come off sounding stale and dated. “Seven Deadly” showcases UFO as a band still firing on all cylinders with no end in sight.
One thing’s for certain, the next time the lads roll back into town, my buddy and I will be there front and center taking it all in as if we were teenagers again.