Well I must confess I wasn't overly familiar with 'UFO's' later work until I picked up this copy of 'Sharks', to say the least I am pretty surprised, these guys have really matured into very respectable old school Hard Rockers. The Lineup includes three members from the classic lineup 'Phil Mogg', 'Michael Schenker' and 'Pete Way', while the stick work is complements of respectable journeyman drummer 'Aynsley Dunbar'. The difference between their popular 70's albums is immediately identifiable, the production is ultra crisp especially compared to the likes 'Phenomenon' and 'Force It' while 'Phil Mogg's' vocals are also a shock as he sounds the sharpest I have ever heard him and sings with a real eagerness and passion. Overall the format for the tracks is still very much in the classic 'UFO' vein, perhaps consistently a little heavier with less slower material, but still in their unwavering style.

'Outlaw Man' open the album in creditable fashion, the heavy use of slide guitar gives this number a bluesy edge, lyrically it's an enjoyable romp, but I find the chorus a little crude and repetitive, despite this, 'Phil Mogg' puts in a fine performance for this decent opener. Better in my opinion is 'Quicksilver Rider', a song that has 'UFO' written all over it and is reminiscent of earlier hits, 'Michael Schenker' plays a large part with plenty of choice hooks and driving riffs. As commendable as this track is, it doesn't better the brilliant 'Serenity', 'UFO' pull off a top drawer performance on this outstanding layered rocker come ballad, the contrast between the pure melodic choruses and darker, biting, guitar fuelled breaks, is just bliss and combines marvellously for the albums top cut. Less profound but enjoyable is the laid back 'Deadman Walking', a harmonious rocker, that flows splendidly, but lyrically I think it comes a little unstuck. Next up is 'Shadow Dancer' a fairly mundane effort, the sort of lightweight number they have done many times before. Things hot up again with the 'Zeppelin' style plodder 'Someone's Gonna have to Pay', the rhythm work established from the outset is pure grooving bliss, this combines with some of 'Phil Mogg's' best vocals for another album highlight. Ensuing is the graceful 'Sea of Faith', a laid back, flowing balladsy number, which contrasts sharp fret work with subtle melodic passages. The tempo is picked up again for the swaggering 'Fighting Man', a track which is more reminiscent of 'AC/DC' with it's no-nonsense plodding approach, again 'Phil Mogg' works the rough and ready lyrics especially well. Following in a similar vein is the superb 'Perfect View' a strong rocker with choice hooks and sweet flowing guitar work, while the rhythm section remains tight throughout for another top cut. The final full track is 'Crossing Over', a song which features that distinctive 'UFO' sound, lyrically the chorus could be better, but this still is a decent mid tempo number. Last up is the short instrumental 'Hawaii', a real tame effort that sounds like the 'Shadows', a sour note for a fine album.

An impressive disc that shows 'UFO' have stuck to their roots and continued to release albums in their unmistakable style they first introduced us to over 30 years ago. If you like 'UFO' but were reluctant to take a gamble on 'Sharks' like I was initially, fear not you will enjoy this release.