Eyes Like Ice

The Zoo Crew is spinning a melodic rock gem for the Zoo Freaks with "Eyes Like Ice" by Airrace, a standout track from their 2018 album Untold Stories. This song, the second track on the album, delivers a polished AOR sound with Keith Murrell’s emotive vocals and Laurie Mansworth’s sharp guitar work, evoking a tale of cold-hearted betrayal, as noted on AllMusic. In a 2018 interview with MelodicRock, Mansworth described the song as a personal favorite, written to capture the raw emotion of heartbreak with a modern edge while staying true to Airrace’s 80s roots. A post on the band’s Facebook page shared a live clip from a 2018 Firefest performance, with fans commenting on the song’s “chilling intensity” and its ability to ignite crowds with its soaring chorus.

Adding to the song’s story, "Eyes Like Ice" was produced by the band and mixed by Tony Newton, giving it a crisp, contemporary feel while retaining the classic AOR vibe, as highlighted in a review by Rock Report. The track’s lyrics, with their vivid imagery of a lover’s icy gaze, resonated with fans, as seen in discussions on YouTube under the album’s audio stream, where one commenter called it “a perfect blend of melody and muscle.” The song’s prominence in Airrace’s live set was evident during their 2018 European shows, with fan threads on MelodicRock praising its dynamic energy and Murrell’s ability to hit high notes effortlessly, cementing its status as a highlight of Untold Stories.

Airrace was formed in London in 1982 by guitarist Laurie Mansworth, who had previously played with the band More, aiming to craft melodic rock with a British flair inspired by Journey and Foreigner. The original lineup featured Keith Murrell (vocals), Jim Reid (bass), Toby Sadler (keyboards), and Jason Bonham (drums), son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, as detailed in a bio on Sleaze Roxx. Mansworth built the band through relentless gigging in London’s club scene, securing a deal with Atco Records for their 1984 debut Shaft Of Light, which gained a cult following despite modest commercial success. After disbanding in the mid-80s, Airrace reformed in 2009 for a Firefest performance, leading to their 2011 comeback album Back To The Start and the 2018 release of Untold Stories, which includes "Eyes Like Ice."

The band’s early journey was marked by their commitment to melodic rock in a scene dominated by heavier NWOBHM acts, with Mansworth and Bonham’s chemistry driving their initial success, as noted in a Rock Report feature. The reformation brought new members like Simon Dawson (drums) and David Boyce (bass), revitalizing their sound while staying true to their AOR roots. Airrace’s persistence has kept them a beloved name in the melodic rock scene, with fans appreciating their heartfelt, polished style. Stay updated through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour news, studio updates, and throwbacks to their 80s heyday.

For Zoo Freaks eager to join the Airrace fanbase, online communities offer a vibrant space to connect. Metalfields Wiki provides detailed discographies and band history, while MelodicRock hosts lively discussions where fans celebrate tracks like "Eyes Like Ice" and share memories of Airrace’s live shows. The Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group occasionally buzzes with Airrace talk, as fans of 80s AOR exchange stories about their influence and rare live footage. These platforms keep Airrace’s melodic rock legacy alive, perfect for vibing with the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, rock-loving spirit.