“Back To The Start” features the core of the original line-up: Laurie Mansworth (Guitars), Keith Murrell (Vocals), Dean Howard (Rhythm Guitar), Jim Reid (Bass), Simon Dawson (Drums) and Cannock born Chris Williams (Keyboards), and sees a mixture of brand new songs plus unreleased and unfinished songs from the vaults.

The band have bounced back with a bang, playing live over the past two years. High profile support slots with Thunder and Winger has introduced the band to a whole new generation of melodic rock fans. I’ve seen the band twice and can categorically say these dudes rock big time live – you can check my reviews of their support slot with Winger @ JB’s Dudley and their headline show @ The River Rooms right here on Midlands Rocks.

Airrace has developed a slightly heavier guitar sound here, but the band’s identity and style is still very much present. In fact they benefit from the heavier stance in my opinion. I found their critically acclaimed debut album “Shaft Of Light” a bit lightweight and wasn’t overly fussed about it myself, that been said the songs come to life live and the heavier vibe definitely makes the songs appeal to me more.

Given the wealth of talent on show here it’s surprising Mansworth and the uber talented Murrell aren’t household names. Murrell’s vocal performance on this album definitely establishes him as one of the best AOR voices in the business, extremely well suited to this style and sound. Mansworth gets to show his guitar skill’s off far more on this album given it’s more guitar orientated stance, and he really does let rip with raw sounding riff’s and licks. It’s the guitar sound that really updates the bands signature sound, far rawer and less crisp and clean like back in the day. One thing I like about the band is they have a VERY British AOR sound which helps them stand out in the crowd, no AOR by the numbers here.

The album kicks off with upbeat rocker “Keep On Going” which is very much in the vein of genre godfathers Journey. It’s instantly memorable and there is some great use of harmonies.

 “Two Of A Kind” is highly reminiscent of the “Shaft Of Light” album especially in its hooky vocal harmonies, but with a stronger guitar presence, then we have “When Baby”, with an awesome air-guitar inducing riff and an infectious chorus. Mansworth’s guitar work particularly shines on this track.

The insistent keyboard riff on “Call Me Anytime” really grabbed me and drew me into this song. It’s in your face and punchy chorus will definitely tick all the right boxes with AOR fans.

“So Long” starts “Eye of the Tiger” style, building up the power of the song, making sure that when the chorus hits, it does so with maximum impact! The driving rhythm and swirling keyboards will capture your attention and the sweeping chorus has some soaring vocals.

Title track “Back To The Start” is a mid tempo rocker but it didn’t really make an impression on me, but another upbeat rocker follows. “Just One Kiss” shows off its musical influences with its retro fitted guitar and keyboard riffs, I’m pretty sure this is a song from the vaults and is great live, trust me! The killer chorus and harmonies show the band at their most commercial.

Next is “Wrong Way Out”, one of the heavier tracks on the album. A punchy, rockin tune with an in your face chorus, which is followed by the hook filled and highly memorable “One Step Ahead” with its infectious chorus, great vocals from Murrell and keyboards from Williams.

“Enough Of Your Lovin’” has a tough, heavy stance which sees Mansworth unleash a beast of a guitar riff. With Its bluesy and swaggering chorus I see this going down a storm live. Keeping up the hard rockin stance is “You Better Believe It” which has a catchy as hell chorus – very Rainbow!

Closing the album is my favourite song “What More Do You Want From Me” with its magnificent sing-along chorus and top notch emotive vocals. It’s a strong song to close the album, infectious and full of hooks, a full on AOR anthem.

Old school AOR, albeit with a harder edge, for a new generation of fans and should definitely be on fans of early ‘80’s AOR and Rainbow to buy lists! You get infectious melodies, wonderful harmonies, stunning vocals, pomp fuelled keyboards and a crunching guitar sound – what more could an AOR fan wish for? British AOR at its finest, here’s hoping there is more to come from the band; I know I’m really looking forward to catching the band live again at Hard Rock Hell 5! Bring It ON!

8/10