ELECTRIC SAVAGE

This is the second release of Colosseum II with new line up. All tracks except one, are instrumental, with stronger and more energetic jazz-rock feel. I like the rhythm section (both bass and drum) better than the first album (by their first line up). The sound of each of the instruments are so natural, particularly the sound of the drum set.

The opening track 'Put It This Way' is a fast paced killer track, and a great introduction to John Mole's great bass playing. This track has a fine blend of rock (pretty much from Gary Moore guitar) and jazz (from the rhythm section). 'Desperado' is to me one of the best track from Colosseum II. It has a strong jazz feel, and has a great improvisation sections by Gary Moore and Don Airey.

'Intergalactic Strut' has a strong composition with several mood changes. Alright, if the band is ever compared to Return to Forever, this track might be one of the references. Even Gary Moore guitar solo ? in a few bars ? reminds me to Al di Meola works, perhaps from the similarity in using phrygian scales. 'The Scorch' is anthemic track, with great symphonic prog typical keyboard work and nice influence of classical music style.

Those four tracks are to me the finest tracks in this album. The rest of the tracks are enjoyable, but less superior musically. 'All Skin And Bone' has a wonderful meticulous percussion work, but the song structure is not very strong. 'Rivers' is a light ballad track, with Gary Moore on vocal. Not much to highlight, the song mood is typical Gary Moore ballad that fans of 90's Gary Moore's albums would love. 'Lament' and 'Am I' are also softer instrumental track, and again are quite typical Gary Moore ballad track (even the later is written by Don Airey). As comparison, 'Down to You' cover in their previous album is far more superior and has stronger composition as a ballad track.

Overall, this is a great record of jazz rock music and has several best tracks of Colosseum II.