Bassist Rob De Luca Discusses UFO's A Conspiracy Of Stars Album; Releases "Sweep The Fire" Video From OF EARTH Project

Of Earth, the NYC-based band fronted by UFO bassist Rob De Luca, has released a new music video for “Sweep The Fire”, from their sophomore album, The Monarch. The intense tale of marginalism and reclamation was recorded by Grammy Award winning engineer Tom Camuso and mastered by Howie Weinberg. The neo-psychedelic video for “Sweep The Fire” was directed by Her Vanished Grace Productions.

“Sweep The Fire” is also available as a free download (or stream) at this location.

Rob is also excited to discuss the new UFO album, A Conspiracy Of Stars, due out February 23rd in Europe via SPV Records:

“The whole process was so much fun and low stress. Nowadays it’s all too common for bands to prioritize internet file sharing when preparing for a record. Instead, UFO chose to do full band rehearsals in Hannover, Germany and pre-production in Kent, England. Very LOUD, LIVE and all in the same room. I think that really shows in the end result.

We then travelled to Deal, England (pretty much on the Cliffs Of Dover) for recording. Andy Parker was on fire and I feel the disc clearly captures his talent. Andy fed off that live energy and intuitively reacted with phenomenal drumming.

Vinnie Moore wrote a busload of incredible songs with HUGE, badass riffs! His soloing is absolutely inspired, memorable and moving. Paul Raymond added actual vintage Hammond organs to A Conspiracy Of Stars, giving it a classic UFO feel that works sooo well.

Paul wrote one of my favorite songs of the album titled “The Real Deal”. It’s the epitome of cool, which comes naturally to a guy who’s spent 50 years in the music biz. I actually wrote a couple songs too, plus another co-write with Paul.

And of course, Phil Mogg beyond delivered the goods. His lyric writing always seems to take me somewhere else, while at the same time still seeming personal. With a unique tone and melody that are so rare to find these days, Phil Mogg’s a devilish pleasure to make music with.

I feel Chris Tsangarides (Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, Gary Moore) was the perfect choice to produce A Conspiracy Of Stars. He knew exactly when to let the band vibe off of each other and just play, or when to step in and suggest improvements. Well done Chris! I’m extremely proud of our “conspiracy” and think the fans will love it!”

UFO will release A Conspiracy of Stars on March 3rd in North America via SPV/Steamhammer. Check out a stream of the song “Run Boy Run” below:

For the first time in more than 20 years, one of the most British rock bands in music history has recorded a studio album in their native country. A Conspiracy Of Stars breathes that typically British easy-going confidence for which this band has been known for over 45 years.

A strong release consisting of eleven songs which combine everything that the group surrounding frontman Phil Mogg stands for: meaty riffs, distinctive hooks, diverse songwriting, intelligent lyrics and that generally laid-back attitude which we have associated with UFO from the start.

The fact that A Conspiracy Of Stars was produced and mixed by Chris Tsangarides (Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, among others) may be considered another successful element in a thoroughly consistent release. To cut a long story short: their 22nd studio recording to date sees UFO prove that past and present can be blended in a homogeneous whole.

A Conspiracy Of Stars presents UFO’s current lineup for the first time: along with the original members, Phil Mogg (vocals), Paul Raymond (keyboards, guitar) and Andy Parker (drums), lead guitarist Vinnie Moore has been a permanent member of the group since 2003, American bassist Rob De Luca joining the fold in 2012. De Luca is not only a brilliant instrumentalist but has also contributed two of the album tracks as a songwriter. The majority of the new material was composed by Vinnie Moore, the album also featuring a song by Paul Raymond and a collaboration between Raymond and De Luca. The lyrics were penned by frontman Phil Mogg.

Digipak tracklisting:

“The Killing Kind”
“Run Boy Run”
“Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun”
“Sugar Cane”
“Devils In The Detail”
“Precious Cargo”
“The Real Deal”
“One And Only”
“Messiah Of Love”
“Rolling Rolling”
“King Of The Hill” (Bonus Track)

Jewel Case tracklisting:

“The Killing Kind”
“Run Boy Run”
“Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun”
“Sugar Cane”
“Devils In The Detail”
“Precious Cargo”
“The Real Deal”
“One And Only”
“Messiah Of Love”
“Rolling Rolling”

LP tracklisting:

Side 1
“The Killing Kind”
“Run Boy Run”
“Ballad Of The Left Hand Gun”

Side 2
“Sugar Cane”
“Devils In The Detail”
“Precious Cargo”

Side 3
“The Real Deal”
“One And Only”
“Messiah Of Love”

Side 4
“Rolling Rolling”
“King Of The Hill” (Bonus Track)

Trailer:

February 23rd will see the European release (Scandinavia – February 18th / Germany – February 20th / North America – March 3rd) as digipak (including poster and bonus track), jewel case, vinyl coloured double LP and download.

For more on UFO and their live schedule visit UFO-Music.com.

Fonte: Bravewords.com