MILLBROOK U.S.A.

These are impressive numbers for this great Dutch band.

Thirty eight years of musical career and twenty four original studio albums. Don't ask me how many gigs they have played 'cause these are countless (they still tour regularly, but unfortunately almost exclusively in The Netherlands).

I am a huge fan of the band, but it is the truth is that since ''Contraband'' recorded in '76, there were little great moments to be remembered. Their only good album onwards to date was IMHHO ''The Hole'' released in '86.

This album sounds particular for me: first of all it is their last studio album to date (and maybe the last for ever). And most of all, it is a good damned rock album.

Gone are those disco-funky sounds. Gone are the bluesy stuff. What we get here is bloody good old (hard) rock music. None of the tracks are weak and this album is kicking your ass from start to finish. There are of course no grandiose tracks but each of them holds a lot of energy and quality.

My faves? Almost each of them, with a mention for the extreme beat of ''Better Off Dead''. But it starts very well with the hard-rocking ''Hammer Of Love'' and later on ''Skyscrapers?''. GE rocks like hell here. And I just like this a bunch.

The band is also showing another facet of their talent with the more subtle and almost acoustic ''A Sound I Never Heard''. Slightly AOR but still nice. Passionate vocals were the trade mark of this band, and frankly when you listen to ''On A Night Like You'', the great Barry is back again: it is a fantastic song which reconcile me the band (even if I never were in deep anger). ''The Chief'' reaches exactly the same level of emotion and great feel.

THERE WERE AGES THAT THE BAND DIDN'T RELEASE SUCH A GOOD ALBUM!

Just listen to ''Kingfisher'': great rhythm changes, solid band and an overall great rock feel. Isn't it what ''Golden Earring'' is all about? This song also has some very early Led Zep feel. Another highlight.

George, Rinus, Barry and Cesar: thanks an awful lot for your contribution to rock music. You have enlightened my youth (but not only since I do listen to you after all these years) and I am thankful to all of you for this.

Three stars.