AC/DC
POWER UP

THE REVIEW

After the death of Malcolm Young, along with various problems affecting other members of the band (Brian Johnson’s hearing, Phil Rudd’s legal issues, and bassist Cliff Williams’ desire to retire), no one expected a new album.

AC/DC did not give up and, after a six-year hiatus, returned to the studio with Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young, drawing on ideas accumulated over the years by brothers Malcolm and Angus, to bring the album titled POWER UP to life.

Many will say it’s the typical AC/DC album: hard rock riffs, catchy choruses, stadium chants, etc., etc. But that’s exactly what we expect from them—classic hard rock that makes us move our asses, because that’s still the effect their songs have, pure adrenaline.

The album was preceded by the release of the single “Shot in The Dark”, which encapsulates the spirit of the album. A song that will surely become a classic in their future concerts, with a stadium chant that we hope we can soon sing all together under the stage... “Shot in the dark, make you feel alright...”

The Sydney band is certainly not famous for tear-jerking ballads, but the beautiful “Through The Mist Of Time” is the most touching song on the album, a reflection on time and a tribute to the guitarist who passed away a few years ago. Brian’s vocal performance is among the most moving of his career; he himself stated in an interview that he sang this piece with the image of Malcolm before him.

Other noteworthy songs are the overwhelming “Kick You When You’re Down”, the classic “Witch’s Spell”, the adrenaline-pumping “Demon Fire” and the closing track “Code Red”, whose opening riff takes us back to the days of “Back In Black”.

The album is a tribute to the guitarist friend, much like the aforementioned “Back In Black” was for Bon Scott. It’s certainly not an innovative record, but I repeat, that’s not what we expect from a band like theirs. They’ve already made history (and what history...), yet the desire to make music and show new generations how to do good and wholesome rock and roll is still there, especially the drive to overcome challenges with heads held high and move forward with what they do best... Play.