So this one, we must admit that we hadn't hoped for it anymore. Small state of affairs at the end of 2017: George and Malcolm Young died, the first being the mentor of the band founded by his brothers, the second no longer having to be introduced. Phil Rudd is stuck in New Zealand for legal problems without it being possible to know if he is kicked out of the group or just suspended until his situation is resolved. Brian Johnson suffers from serious hearing problems and has to give way to Axl Rose (Guns'n'Roses) in the middle of his tour, again without it being clear whether he is being excluded by Angus or just waiting for a hypothetical recovery. Finally, Cliff Williams announces his departure at the end of the tour, claiming wear and tear due to age, but implying that he no longer recognizes himself in a band of which Angus is the last historical member. "Rock Or Bust" (2014) not having been particularly convincing, the end seemed inevitable for AC/DC, leaving the regret of a botched curtain-raiser unworthy of such a legend. And then, following a skillfully orchestrated teasing, "Power Up" arrived in our ears with its entire historic line-up still alive.
Let's not waste time to dwell and let's answer without delay to the grumpy people who will not fail to announce that this opus is without surprise : hey guys, it's AC/DC ! What were you waiting for? An accordion solo? A ballad with violins? A twenty-minute space-rock title? AC/DC does AC/DC and that's what we expect from him. If you were hoping for something else, go ahead and let us enjoy this new opus because, besides being unhoped for, "Power Up" is an excellent vintage from the Young Cie. The first single, 'Shot In The Dark', hasn't lied about the merchandise to come with its jubilant riff, vicious two-way lyrics and unstoppable, haunting chorus.
No dead time to be deplored, even if it is clear that some titles are based on previously used ideas. This is the case of the chorus gimmick of 'Realize' which immediately refers to that of 'Thunderstruck' ("The Razors Edge" - 1990). 'Whole Lotta Rosie' ("Let There Be Rock" - 1977) is not far on the introduction of 'Demon Fire', second single with a riff and a tempo that melts the asphalt and dislodges the cervicals. As for the groovy boogie-hard rock of 'Wild Reputation', it reminds us of the era of 'Powerage' (1978). But no copy and paste here, just nods to a past rich in unforgettable songs. And while we'll avoid a boring description of each track, we won't be able to ignore some of them either. Whether it's the nasty 'Rejection', the surprising 'Through The Mists Of Time' with its slightly more convoluted rhythmic structure and unusual touch of melancholy, the reptilian and unstoppable 'Kick You When You're Down', the torrid 'No Man's Land' or the virile 'Systems Down', chances are they'll squat your headphones for a long time to come.
Propelled by its unjustly underestimated rhythmic pair in which Phil Rudd proves that, if he's not the best drummer in the world, he's the best drummer for AC/DC, the quintet proves that it's not over yet. "Power Up" is undoubtedly the best album of the Australian legend for a long time and it would be a wonderful testament if Angus and his band decided to stop now, which we obviously don't wish. In the meantime, what a joy to be able to enjoy such an opus, as unexpected as it is exciting.