Album review: STEPHEN PEARCY – View To A Thrill

Frontiers [Release date 09.11.18]

“View To A Thrill” is the fifth (oh, I wish it was his 007th, this would have made the jokes so easy!!) solo album from Ratt frontman Stephen Pearcy. From the lyrical content throughout the album you could be mistaken for thinking this record is a Bond tribute, however, “View To A Thrill” is more than that and actually reminds me of “Detonator” era Ratt.

The guitar work from guitarist Erik Ferentinos is top notch, just have a listen to “Malibu”, and we are also treated to a slide solo by legendary Doors man Robby Krieger on “Not Killin’ Me”- now, I am torn on this track as it could be about Pearcy’s recently lost twin sister, or it could easily be about the 1969 Bond film “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, either way it is a great song.

“One In A Million” has all the hallmarks of Pearcy’s massively underrated early 90’s Arcade project, album closer “Violator” is a slower, heavier affair whilst “I’m A Ratt” is self-explanatory. The strong opening trio of “U Only Live Twice”, “Sky Falling” and “Malibu” instantly grabs you by the ears and this is certainly an album that holds you there as there is not a weak track here.

“Secrets To Tell”, “Dangerous Thing” and “From The Inside” are all another good example of the quality of the song writing and production on offer here. Whilst Pearcy may have had his issues recently, there is no denying that this is a man who can still really deliver.

“View To A Thrill” is a great album and long time fans of Pearcy and Ratt should find a quantum of solace here. *****

Review by Nikk Gunns

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