MOONSTONE PROJECT

Moonstone Project are the brainchild of Italian Matt Filippini. Filippini is a session guitarist of some note and has worked with, amongst others, Blue Oyster Cult, Ian Paice and Glenn Hughes, both of Deep Purple fame. Filippini has obviously called in a few favours as Paice and Hughes make guest appearances on this release, as do Clive Bunker, one time Jethro Tull drummer and Ken Hensley, ex-Uriah Heep keyboard player. The core of the band is supplied by Filippini's compatriots, Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards), Francesco Jovino (drums) and Nik Mazzucconi (bass). As one would suspect with the pedigrees of the guest musicians on offer, this is an album that is steeped in the style and traditions of 'classic rock'. The opening track, 'Sinner, Sinner' is the epitome of what classic rock is all about - strong vocals, from ex-House of Lords frontman James Christian, and harmonies, with a hard edged but melodious sound. The next track 'Monster Booster' (maybe something was lost in translation!) has a more funky feel and is reminiscent of ‘Come Taste the Band’ era Deep Purple. 'Cosmic Blues' is the next track and, contrary to the title, is not particularly bluesy. In fact, it's a slower paced offering with vocals that are more than a little similar to David Coverdale in his pomp. It also features some Blackmore-esque gutar work. The rest of album has the same 'classic' feel with a mix of blues and funk and is of generally good quality. One disappointment is the Glenn Hughes penned track, on which he also sings, 'Closer than you Think'. I am a big fan of Hughes' work but this has to be one of the weakest performances he has recorded. This moan aside, ‘Rebel on the Run’ is an album of good, honest rock with a retro vibe to it. Those of you brought up on a diet of Slipknot, Linkin Park or even Trivium may not find it quite to your taste but if you're a bit older (like me!) and are familiar with the rock giants of the '70s you should find plenty here to enjoy.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Blistering Records

Album

REBEL ON THE RUN

Review by Dave Uphill

RUNNING TIME:

52:11

RELEASE DATE:

1st June 2009

TRACK LISTING

1) Sinner, Sinner
2) Moonster Booster
3) Cosmic Blues
4) From Another Time
5) Rebel on the Run
6) Closer Than You Think
7) Hey Mama
8) Shooting Star
9) Madman
10) Halfway to Heaven

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Italy

"As one would suspect with the pedigrees of the guest musicians on offer, this is an album that is steeped in the style and traditions of 'classic rock'."