Although his tenure(s) in AC/DC has overshadowed his other work, Chris Slade has had an amazing career that’s found him drumming with everybody from Asia to Uriah Heep via Tom Jones and Gary Numan. The veteran of some 35 albums, something that’s always been missing from his curriculum vitae is a bone fide solo release and it’s finally appeared in the shape of Timescape, a twin set that includes a disc of original material and another of choice covers from his varied career to make this both a summation and a step onwards.

Formed in 2012 as a way to commemorate 50 years as a professional drummer, The Chris Slade Timeline has earned a reputation as a hot ticket with shows that can match anything in his illustrious past, and now some of that magic gets bottled in Timescape. Written by Chris Slade, opening track ‘Sundance’ sounds at once fresh and familiar; awash with retro styled keys it has a definite ‘70s feel, yet it’s powered by an energy that places it right in the present. Chris’ drums are prominent in the mix, but not to the point of overkill; he’s content to take his place within the band and like all good musicians he understands that sometimes it’s not what you play but what you don’t; it’s all about leaving space for the listener to infer meaning and the following ‘We Will Survive’ affords plenty of opportunity for that. It is often said that guitarists have a signature sound but not so much drummers, yet Chris Slade has a style all his own, it is not so much a sound but a deftness of touch and a unique sense of rhythm. With a generosity of spirit, he pretty much disappears into the background on the gospel-infused ‘Freedom Song’ (which is precisely the right move for that tune) before returning with a bang on ‘Back With A Vengeance’ (another deft move).

Those unfamiliar with Chris Slade’s long history might be surprised at the eclectic nature of Timeline; it tries on a lot of different clothes from progressive rock to gospel via heavy metal, yet it’s all stitched together by Chris’ metronomic drumming and an expansive production and presents tracks such as ‘Time Flies’ in full and vivid cinemascope. However, these are not just random songs thrown together, it’s an album that ebbs and flows exceptionally well and is best consumed whole to fully appreciate its ululation. It has a definite beginning, middle and end, and the aptly-titled ‘End Of Eternity’ makes for a grandiose conclusion.

For the second disc, Chris Slade covers eight tracks from bands with which he has been associated. However, it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity; five of the cuts are from AC/DC and that leaves some pretty big holes, it would have been cool to hear a reworking of a Tom Jones, rocked-up and reimagined. Yet, musically all these covers are on point and the band bring something fresh to each song (which is exactly how all covers should be handled). For example, the addition of keys on ‘The Razor’s Edge’ was a surprise, but a welcome one, and they add an extra dimension and make the song far more sinister than the original. I had the honour of seeing Chris drum three times for AC/DC on The Razor’s Edge tour and can attest to the power he brought to the band; he replicates some of that magic on an eardrum-popping ‘Thunderstruck’, while a fun fuelled run-through of ‘High Voltage’ ensure the band depart on a high.

A solo album has been long overdue, but Timescape proves itself worth the wait.

• Timescape is released via BraveWords Records on 19th July 2024.
• Official Website | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Track List:

CD 1:

1. Sundance
2. We Will Survive
3. Joybringer
4. Living The Dream
5. Freedom Song
6. Back With A Vengeance
7. Questions
8. Time Flies
9. End Of Eternity

CD 2:

1. The Razor’s Edge
2. Free
3. Blinded By The Light
4. July Morning
5. Thunderstruck
6. Big Gun
7. Hells Bells
8. High Voltage