One Step Ahead

The Zoo Crew is pumping up the Zoo Freaks with the melodic rock anthem "One Step Ahead" by Airrace, a vibrant track from their 2011 comeback album Back To The Start. This song, the ninth track on the album, showcases the band’s signature AOR sound with Keith Murrell’s powerful vocals and Laurie Mansworth’s crisp guitar riffs, as noted in a review by Sea of Tranquility. In a 2011 interview with MelodicRock, Mansworth shared that the song’s upbeat tempo and lyrics about staying ahead in life were inspired by the band’s determination to make a strong return after a 27-year hiatus since their debut Shaft Of Light. A fan post on the band’s Facebook page celebrated the track’s “pure 80s energy,” with comments highlighting its catchy chorus and suitability for road-trip playlists.

Delving into the song’s trivia, "One Step Ahead" was part of Back To The Start, recorded with producer Tony Newton and released by Frontiers Records, a label known for championing melodic rock, as detailed on Discogs. The track’s polished production and driving rhythm, clocking in at 3:34, make it a standout, with fans on YouTube praising its “feel-good vibe” in comments under the album’s full stream. A review on Metal Kaoz noted that while the album lacks a definitive hit, tracks like "One Step Ahead" shine for their classic AOR charm, evoking influences like Journey and Foreigner. The song’s energy was further showcased in Airrace’s 2011 live performances, with fan discussions on MelodicRock forums highlighting its role in rekindling interest in the band’s live shows post-reunion.

Airrace was formed in London in 1982 by guitarist Laurie Mansworth, who previously played with the band More, aiming to craft melodic rock with a British edge. The original lineup included Keith Murrell (vocals), Jim Reid (bass), Toby Sadler (keyboards), and Jason Bonham (drums), son of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham, as noted in a bio on Rock Report. Inspired by AOR giants like Journey and Foreigner, Mansworth built the band through relentless gigging in London clubs, securing a deal with Atco Records for their 1984 debut Shaft Of Light. The album, featuring Jason Bonham’s first recorded appearance, gained a cult following but didn’t achieve commercial success, leading to a breakup until their 2011 reformation, which produced Back To The Start with new members like Simon Dawson (drums) and David Boyce (bass).

The band’s early days were defined by their commitment to melodic rock in a scene dominated by heavier NWOBHM acts, as Mansworth recalled in a Sleaze Roxx interview. Their 2009 performance at Firefest, a key melodic rock festival, sparked their reunion, leading to the recording of Back To The Start, which included "One Step Ahead." Airrace’s persistence has kept them relevant in the AOR scene, with fans appreciating their polished yet heartfelt sound. Stay connected through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on tours, reissues, and new music like their 2018 album Untold Stories.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive into Airrace’s fan community, online hubs keep the band’s legacy alive. Metalfields Wiki provides detailed discographies and band history, while MelodicRock hosts lively discussions where fans share love for tracks like "One Step Ahead" and swap stories about rare vinyl finds. The Dokken/Lynch Mob Fans Facebook group occasionally features Airrace chatter, as fans of 80s melodic rock discuss their live shows and influence alongside similar bands. These platforms offer a vibrant space for enthusiasts to celebrate Airrace’s enduring contribution to AOR, perfect for vibing with the Zoo Crew’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit.