From the opening sounds of Ace Frehley’s new solo album, “Space Invader,” it is clear that seven years of sobriety have done him a world of good. Space Ace is back and is better than ever with an old school hard rock album from e-One Music. The album is his first since 2009’s “Anomaly” but has a sound more akin to his 1978 solo release. “Space Invader” is vintage Ace from the overall space theme down to the cover art by Ken Kelly, the man responsible for classic KISS cover art like “Destroyer.”
The record opens with the title track and the classic vibe begins before kicking off into the first single, ”Gimme A Feelin’,” a real rock anthem. Ace Frehley fans are going to love it as the album focuses on what Ace does best, vintage Ace riffs and wailing solos as only Frehley can provide. “I Wanna Hold You” and “What Every Girl Wants” have a more melodic side and could be future singles as Ace showcases his songwriting. “Change” has a bit of a darker sound to it and “Toys” is the classic KISS track that never was. A surprise inclusion is a cover of the Steve Miller classic “The Joker” which stays true to the original with Ace adding his own spin on it. Frehley saves the best for last as the record closes with the epic instrumental “Starship,” featuring truly outstanding guitar work by Ace. Check out the three minute mark of the track where Ace just blasts off into another galaxy.
“Space Invader” is a terrific album from one of rock and roll’s greatest. Both musically and vocally, Ace has never sounded better. This truly should have been the follow up to his 1978 classic solo lp. It may have taken over 35 years to get here, but fans are going to agree it was worth the wait.
