Rock and roll fans stand up and shout! AC/DC is about to blow the lid off this place with the release of their latest studio album, “Rock or Bust.” Despite their recent problems with founding member Malcolm Young being diagnosed with dementia and drummer Phil Rudd’s legal issues, our favorite Aussies have delivered a vintage AC/DC album that will confirm your belief of “In rock we trust.”
“Rock or Bust” is classic AC/DC with straightforward riffs, catchy choruses, and grooving blues. The title track kicks things off and is a classic arena rock anthem followed by the lead single “Play Ball.” Songs about sex and the power of rock music are the theme of the day with the down and dirty feel of “Miss Adventure” and “Rock the Blues Away.” Then they give us the heavier punch of “Dogs of War” and “Baptism by Fire.” Through it all, Brian Johnson delivers his signature gritty vocals and howls and Angus Young provides riff after classic riff. This is also the first record without Malcolm Young who has been replaced on rhythm guitar by his talented nephew Stevie Young. There simply isn’t a bad track on the album as the band delivers the goods on all eleven high octane rockers.
In a music scene that has become inundated with more and more unlistenable crap, thank God for AC/DC. Pay attention youngsters. This is how it’s done. AC/DC, We Salute You!
