Stephen
Probably you still remember a one-time shot of Airrace's classic, 'Light of Shaft', back in 1984, a band that also strengthened by Jason Bonham. And after many people didn't expect a reunion, Frontiers resurrect them in 2011 with a brand new record, 'Back To The Start', but minus Bonham and Jim Reid from the original line-up. Still, fans of the debut is eager to anticipate this second album after an unbelievable 27 years of silence.
To me, the debut is a great album, a typical 80s AOR that won't catch you with a new surprise, but sadly, 'Back To The Start' just can't bring the magic back twice. I saw many great reviews about this but I truly can't see the high value of the songs except for couple of tracks which is 'Keep On Going', an awesome uptempo opener with Terra Nova feel; and 'When Baby', a superb riffs with a splendid chorus.
The rest ten tracks were divided into 5 good tracks, 2 average tunes, and 3 passable fillers. 'Two of A Kind', 'So Long', 'Just One Kiss', 'Better Believe It', and 'What More Do You Want From Me?' are the goodies while 'Back To The Start', 'Wrong Way Out', and 'Enough of Your Lovin' are the lows. The production isn't bright but acceptable.
If you're familiar with their debut, they played classic AOR in the veins of Journey and Foreigner, but I don't think the quality is on par. I've rated 'Shaft of Light' around 80%-85% while this one struggles between 65%-70%. A decent comeback, but not essential.