Power Up by AC/DC: Play It as Loud as You Can!

AC/DC are the godfathers of metal. 'Highway to Hell,' 'Thunderstruck' and 'Back in Black' have made the band synonymous with metal fans as the one of the finest bands of the genre. Their choruses, guitar hooks, bass riffs and drum solos are so well known that its impossible not to have heard them even if you are not a metal-head. 

Like most of the classic bands of their era they've been to hell and back. Last time they toured Brian Johnson was told by doctors he'd never hear anything again unless he stopped. Malcom Young, the band's original rhythm guitarist, sadly died with dementia in 2017. Even the band's drummer Phil Rudd was sentenced to house arrest for drugs and death threats in 2016.

So after 17 albums and 6 decades you might think they may have lost their magic. But you'd be wrong. 

Just like 'Back in Black' was, according to Angus Young, a tribute to the band's original lead singer,  Bon Scott, who died at just 33, Power Up is a tribute to Rhythm Guitarist Malcom Young. And what a tribute it is.  

'Power Up' is that kind of album that doesn't come around everyday. It sees AC/DC not just living up to their reputation as a powerhouse of metal but also displaying more nuanced lyrics and tighter production compared to 2014's mediocre Rock or Bust and an energy that puts their younger contemporaries to shame.

Lead single 'Shot In The Dark' starts with a syncopated blues rock riff only to then charge head-on into tight, straight, stomping drums from the newly rehabilitated Phil Rudd and peeling rhythm guitar from Malcom Young's equally talented son, Stevie Young. In addition that signature humming bass from Cliff Williams, (back after taking a hiatus after the very literal 'Rock or Bust' tour in 2015),  and Brian Johnson's raw, iconic voice ripping through another classic chorus makes this track so memorable that you cannot help but sing along.  

Further brilliance comes in the form off 'Kick You When Your Down,' which has a riff comparable to Marilyn Mason's 'Fight Song' in its all-out, no-holds-barred sound. Its a loud, proud condemnation of  peoples' quickness to judge and attack other people's opinions and situations that resonates universally in today's world. 

Equally, 'Power Up' is a testament to Brendan O'Brian's production. He manages to achieve that sound that has made the band so incredibly successful, creating possibly their best album since 1980's 'Back in Black' without sacrificing the quality of the songs or Brian Johnson's hearing, which has been restored via ground-breaking new technology. 

Even with less powerful tracks, like the albums opener 'Realize', 'Power Up' still feels relevant and listenable. You feel that its not made to fill a contractual obligation or been produced within an inch of its life. It's made because the band love the music they play and want to share it with anyone they can.  

But most importantly it goes to show that in even in the face of adversity AC/DC are as supercharged as ever. 

And my only advise to you: play this album as loud as you can.