CleoRecs is releasing a special version of UFO‘s ”Walk On Water” on two-vinyl: the album on LP and a bonus 7” including new versions of the band classics ‘Doctor Doctor ’95 version’ and ‘Lights Out ’95 version’. Both vinyls deliver a better dynamic range than the original CD which always has sounded to us a bit ‘cold’. In our opinion, the sound and the way ”Walk On Water” was produced belongs to a vinyl LP pressing.
”Walk On Water” was first and only in Japan in 1995, marking the return of German guitarist Michael Schenker to the band, as well as the returns of keyboardist Paul Raymond and founding drummer Andy Parker.
UFO cut eight original tracks for ”Walk On Water”, just the way they did in their glorious era. We see it as a plus, as the less material you jam into an album, the better the odds that the filler would be extracted and thrown to the side.
Schenker returned with a ferocious, edgy performance after his more commercial ’80s albums and MSG with Mc Auley, and the whole band feels energetic as well.
The standouts on the album are “Pushed To The Limit” which in our opinion ranks amongst one of Schenker’s most memorable riffs from his storied career.
“A Self-Made Man” is another track that showcases Schenker’s aggressive play. “Venus” and “Dreaming of Summer” gives Phil Mogg an opportunity to shine with his poetic charm.
While a lot changed in the musical scene since this UFO line-up recorded together and at the time of this release grunge dominated the charts, ”Walk On Water” is a strong outing that certainly gave the fanbase what they had been longing for.
It would be unfair to compare ”Walk On Water” to the ’70s UFO classics. You can’t relive the past. Overall, ”Walk On Water” can stand on its own as a solid hard rock record with plenty of riffs, fiery solos and lyrical wit to make this a worthwhile listen experience.
As a bonus, ”Walk On Water” includes re-recordings of classics “Doctor Doctor” and “Lights Out.” More often than not, this kind of thing is totally unnecessary and the result is less than pleasing. These new recordings served to showcase that UFO hadn’t lost anything at all.
Highly Recommended
12” Vinyl
Side A:
1. A Self Made Man
2. Venus
3. Pushed To The Limit
4. Stopped By A Bullet (Of Love)
Side B:
1. Darker Days
2 Running on Empty
3. Knock, Knock
4. Dreaming of Summer
Bonus 7” Vinyl:
Side A:
1. Doctor Doctor ’95 version
Side B:
1. Lights Out ’95 version
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Phil Mogg – vocals
Michael Schenker – guitar
Paul Raymond – keyboards, guitar
Pete Way – bass
Andy Parker – drums
Mark Philips – background vocals