What a surprise! After two major releases back in 1990 ("Spread eagle") and 1993 ("Open to the public"), SPREAD EAGLE reunited in 2006 and announced a new lineup in 2011. Now, thanks to the always-present Frontiers, the new album "Subway to the Stars" is out. From the original lineup of this New York band, only singer Ray West and bassist Rob De Luca have remained, with guitarist Ziv Shalev and Rob's cousin Rik De Luca completing the line-up.

"Subway to the Stars" is a solid rock album that shows multiple faces, from the AOR-like approach of "Gutter Rhymes for Valentines" to the heavier "29^th of February", with an impressive and rocky drumming, or "Grand Scam" (which reminds of Skid Row). There are as well other easier although enjoyable songs like "Subway to the stars" or the single "Sound of Speed". In my opinion, however, the best episodes are "Dead Air", with a Porcupine Tree aftertaste, and the final "Solitaire", a fine acoustic song, that reminds of the mighty ballads from the street/rock/glam band from the nineties: here I literally love every note in it, and the voice of Ray West, in my opinion at its finest.

There are still a few fillers, like, for example "More Wolf than Lamb" or "Little Serpentina" (whose title sounds a little bit funny to me), but this does not diminish the album value. Ray West is giving a hell of performance, as well as Ziv Shalev with his guitar play. I would like additionally to mention that the drumming of Rik De Luca during the entire album is impressive. A great comeback that will make rock fans happy and, although it is not necessary to mention, another big success for Frontiers, the real owner of the melodic rock scene.

Welcome back SPREAD EAGLE, now please do not make us wait another 20 more years for another album.