Facemelter

Facemelter is a long-awaited studio work, released after a long hiatus, on which Y&T played classic hard rock with bluesy guitar, sturdy rhythm and candid vocals. The songs are unadorned, pushing the feel of the riffs and the band’s groove forward directly, conveying a firm persuasiveness cultivated over years. Dave Meniketti’s singing and guitar are intact, keeping an unchanged heat even as they mature. On “On With The Show,” “Shine On,” “I'm Coming Home” and “Blind Patriot,” the band’s cohesion and the raw feel of rock ’n’ roll come to the front rather than showing off technique. Songs like “How Long,” “Wild Child” and “One Life” breathe the band’s melodic sense and firm musicianship too. Playing through earnest, sturdy hard rock with no connection to flashy trends, it vividly reflects a Y&T that, even after a long career, has not lost its appeal as a live band.