In the recent resurrection of AC/DC a formation of what is considered a realistic version of the band has convened to produce an all new studio album titled, Power Up. There are many that wonder what the state of the acts sonic condition is like. What, if anything exciting has the group brought to the table in this, what is almost certainly within the final chapters of the band's career?
Sonically, things sound reasonably good especially with all things considered. For most of Power Up, AC/DC sounds as if they have managed to fire on at least the required number of cylinders. Angus Young's marked guitar riffs are still viable. Brian Johnson performs duly although he took on a slightly deeper toned, reserved approach during portions of select songs. The singer certainly comes across as vocally competent minus his one-time ability to completely let lose in an out-an-out trademark wail (it is what it is). There is slightly more reverb added than the usual to Johnson's delivery and it serves well. Cliff Williams (bass), drummer Phil Rudd and Angus Young's nephew Stevie Young once again returns (rhythm guitar). After a six-year studio absence this is definitely an authentic version of the group as opposed to some of their more recent live show fill-ins.
Power Up was recorded in just under two months (August and September of 2018) at Bryan Adam's multi-media production facility, The Warehouse Studio in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada. As was with their last studio effort Black Ice, Producer Brendan O'Brien oversaw and delivered the final product to Columbia. The production is significantly similar to one of their later studio efforts, Black Ice. A difference is that there is not any catchy spins or snazzy tidbits on the percussive side of things. On skins, a certain amount of punch and power is missing in relation to this act's other recordings. Consequently, O'Brien (and recording/mixing engineer Mike Fraser) have kept drumming slightly underneath in this mix as opposed to it existing as their own powerful audible entity as was perceived on most of this act's previous work. The percussive effort on Power Up still passes, but only and just up to that degree.
In determining what, if anything AC/DC brought to the table different than their previous records the answer is a resounding nil. Perhaps that is what diehard fans wanted? Perhaps it is how the band wants to be heard in their final hours? Perhaps this is all they could conjure? Whichever it may be there is no note different or unique to anything that we have not heard before in the groups forty plus years in the recording industry. The only separation on this album is that there is no slowed, bluesy rock track (alas 'Ride On', 'Night Prowler', 'The Jack' etc.). All tracks on Power Up cook in at least a moderate tempo, you see.
Song writing is not sub-par on this collection, but it is 'marginal' … even on an AC/DC scale. With that observed, there is no point on this album that is disappointing. A plausible quip is that while Power Up is in gear and on course, it is exactly as its name suggests, 'powered up' but without ever genuinely blasting off.
It would be unfair to ignore that this release is not any sort of failure. There are positive aspects to this record every bit as well. None of the songs on Power Up are near "AC/DC anthem” worthy yet none are throw-always. The entire set from song one through twelve rocks with that recognizably raw AC/DC character. As was noted previously there is nothing unique in any one of the songs tone or structure but credibly the band chose not to sell out or diverge into territory that could be perceived as a poor choice. All in all, the boy's objective on Power Up is still to Rock & Roll, make no mistake about it.
If one is looking for those songs which host fiery guitar, carry that standard AC/DC prowess, and present a scowl to anything considered wholesome or friendly, you may want to allow room for another ten or twelve tracks to the ole AC/DC playlist. A case for praise can be made to these aged and semi-physically challenged rockers for simply once again working and legitimately putting themselves out there. The challenging critic playing the role of devil's advocate could contend that the band have been purely opportunistic in seeking some sort of admiration by reassembling and putting out a studio album without any risk of real loss at this late stage. After some quality time with Power Up the verdict is in and it consists of two distinct parts. Thankfully, the band did not lose a whole lot in the making of or by releasing this album … however with this part appreciated, AC/DC gained nothing at the same time.
AC/DC Power Up – 80%
Strongest Tracks – 'Shot In The Dark', 'Kick You When Your Down', 'Witches Spell' (which includes some nifty bass lines by Cliff Williams), 'Realize'.
Ian Billen