Flick Of The Switch (USA-import)
AC/DC: Brian Johnson (vocals); Angus Young, Malcolm Young (guitar); Cliff Williams (bass); Phil Rudd (drums). Recorded at Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas. . Detractors have long called minimalist bands such as AC/DC, Bad Company and ZZ Top formulaic. By paring rock down to its most basic elements, these bands forged a musical terrain where anything less than mastery over the form would reveal gaping holes in the structure. Remember that there are no keyboards filling up space, or creating diversions on an AC/DC record. The point is, AC/DC's approach may not have varied an inch over the years and it may very well be a formula. It is also a highly effective one. FLICK OF THE SWITCH carries the spirit of the band's hard rock crunch with capable aplomb. Massive guitar riffs that could capsize a medium size boat, a stomping 4/4-rhythm section and Brian Johnson screeching like a banshee on the warpath. The album's highlights are the mid-tempo Rising Power, and the bruising title track. When Johnson screams With a flick of the switch she'll blow you sky high on the latter, AC/DC proves itself still capable of explosive outbursts.