Adrian Vandenberg is back with a second Moonkings LP. Aptly titled MKII, it is a slab of fine classic rock performed by top quality musicians … in fact, nothing less than expected.
The flying dutchman is supported by Jan Hoving on vocals, Sem Christoffel on bass and Mart Nijen on drums all of whom contribute to make this an LP you will return to time and time again. Opening with the out and out rocker “Tightrope”, this riff heavy tune gives a glance into the blues based LP ahead. Hoving’s vocals have just enough edge to deliver the lyrics with power and venom and the guitar solo is classic Vandenburg, technically perfect and melodic too.
As the LP progresses we hear the Whitesnake influence for sure but also some of the classic rock of the 70’s (Led Zeppelin and Bad Company immediately spring to mind).
“Angel in Black” has all the makings of a classic, with its simple guitar opening that leads to a driving rhythm and then another superb Vandenberg solo. Unfortunately, Hoving’s vocals are a little too Whitesnake at times, but that is not to say it’s a bad thing.
Next up is the 7-minute “The Fire”. Here we get the musicianship shining through and despite its length, this song has just enough twists and turns to keep the listener interested. The vocals soar to the sky, the bass and drums drive the song along nicely and of course, there are riffs and musical highs a plenty.
Thus, the LP moves along very nicely indeed, we get acoustic beauty in the balled “Walk Away”. Blues brilliance with “Ready for the Talking”, classic rock in “Hard Way” and the riff-tastic “If You Can’t Handle the Heat”
This is a great LP, classic rock at its finest with the one and only Vandenberg touch that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Overall - 8
8
This is a great LP, classic rock at its finest with the one and only Vandenberg touch that makes it stand out from the crowd.
