By: Jesse Striewski
I’ve always been partial to former Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley’s solo work above the efforts any of his other ex-bandmates, and often found the songs he composed while in the group to be highlights on their respective albums. As soon as I heard the title track to his then-upcoming new album 10,000 Volts, I knew Ace was back in full force.
The aforementioned electric title track kicks off his eighth solo effort with a jolt, but follow up single “Walkin’ on the Moon” is a bit too hokey even by Space Ace standards. Thankfully, there’s enough solid material to out do any filler here though. “Cherry Medicine” is a decent pop anthem, while “Back Into My Arms Again” is an admirable enough power ballad a la Cheap Trick. But it’s the deeper cuts that really get the job done here.
The trio of “Fightin’ For Life,” “Blinded,” and “Life of a Stranger” are not only the highlights of the album, but some of his strongest work overall in recent memory. The ending instrumental number “Stratosphere” puts his guitar abilities on full display as he summons the likes of Frank Zappa to close things out.
Make no mistakes about it, Ace has still got the chops, and as long as he continues to deliver the goods like he does here, his fan base (present company included) are not about to go anywhere any time soon.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
