"Ace Frehley Lead Guitar!"

If the above phrase, first yelped out by Paul Stanley back in the early 70's, is what Ace Frehley means to you, than you need to get your hands on this album. Ace is back! Well I put him at 90% of his 70's glory. For most artists, the songs are the vehicle and the guitar riffs. licks and solos come along for the ride. For me, anyway, Ace's music is just the opposite. Ace's guitar is in the driver seat and the rest of the song comes along for the ride. "Space Invader" leads off with 2 killer guitar tracks and rarely lets up on the gas. The songs are all above average with great hooks and melodies reminiscent of Ace's work with Kiss and his first solo album. Ace's vocals? Ace is Ace and I personally like his vocal work, especially the way he pronounces certain words ("Maurice" in the song "The Joker" comes to mine) with his New York monotone. Lastly the overall sound of the album is interesting. The mix seems a bit muddy and at first it put me back; but after several listens it began to grow on me......kinda like a digital version of "Hotter Than Hell" with Ace's guitar layered and upfront in the mix. Oh...and after several listens, try to the song "Gimme A Feelin'" out of your head. The song has been stuck in mine for the last 48 hours. It's been awhile since I've been able to say that for any Kiss related music. All in all Ace's best solo work, just a few notches below his 70's classic. Rating? 8.5/10