By paring rock down to its most basic elements, these bands forged a musical
terrain where anything less than mastery over the form would reveal gaping holes
in the structure. Remember that there are no keyboards filling up space, or
creating diversions on an AC/DC record. The point is, AC/DC's approach may not
have varied an inch over the years and it may very well be a formula. It is also
a highly effective one.
FLICK OF THE SWITCH carries the spirit of the band's hard rock crunch with
capable aplomb. Massive guitar riffs that could capsize a medium size boat, a
stomping 4/4-rhythm section and Brian Johnson screeching like a banshee on the
warpath. The album's highlights are the mid-tempo “Rising Power,” and the
bruising title track. When Johnson screams “With a flick of the switch she'll
blow you sky high” on the latter, AC/DC proves itself still capable of
explosive outbursts.