Moonstone Project Rebel On the Run
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
A throwback! A blast from the past – in the best possible sense! Toe-tapping, air-drumming, ‘70s style blues-rock is back courtesy of Moonstone Project.
Moonstone Project is a “traditional” or “classic” rock supergroup based in Italy. The heart and soul of the band is guitar master Matt Filippini (Blue Oyster Cult, Glenn Hughes, etc.), and he’s pulled together a diverse group of musicians from around to world to kick classic blues-based rock back into the spotlight.
Rebel On The Run is Moonstone Project’s second CD. The first, 2006’s Time To Take A Stand was re-released in 2008 with bonus material as Hidden In Time. Filippini decided that he wanted a more consistent and unified sound, so he put together a core band to do the bulk of the music, but left plenty of room for guests. Moonstone Project is Matt Filippini (guitars), Alessandro Del Vecchio (keyboards), Nik Mazzucconi (bass), Francesco Jovino & Alex Mori (drums), Roberto Tiranti (backing vocals) and James Christian from House Of Lords (lead vocals).
The music is wonderfully bluesy, straight up rock and roll – hearkening back to the late ‘70s. The recording is simple, warm and direct – no heavy overdubs, layered vocals or electronic nonsense. It’s a bunch of guys getting together to make music, and to make music fun. No deep and hidden meanings, no satanic messages, no rants against society, no teenage angst, no images of nuclear apocalypse – a refreshing change considering that these are all new songs. No covers here…
“Sinner, Sinner” kicks off the album in a low-key, funky way, but it gives everyone a chance to show their chops a little. The song has a solid bass line, great drums, good keyboard and guitar solos, and Christian’s stellar vocals. “Moonster Booster” picks it up with a bouncy bass and drum line that works well with the rhythm guitar, and features some amazing solo fretwork from Filippini. The album shifts from soulful (”Closer Than You Think”, “Cosmic Blues”) to heavier blues-rock (”From Another Time”, ”Madman”) to upbeat rock (”Halfway To Heaven”, ”Hey Mama”) without missing a beat. The whole thing is unified by Filippini’s amazing guitar and Christian’s solid vocals, and the other musicians seem quite at home playing together. Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath) sang lead on one track, ”Closer Than You Think”.
The roster of well-known artists contributing to Rebel On The Run is impressive. Filippini has assembled among others drummers Ian Paice (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) and Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull), keyboardist Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), singers Robin Beck and the great Glenn Hughes. The music is so well done and consistent that the personnel changes don’t leap out at you – nothing is jarring and it all holds together well. Only Glen Hughes stands out as a “different” performer, but the others are there – you just have to listen carefully.
The whole disc is a toe-tapper, filled with great grooves, good music and an overall sense of fun. Rebel On The Run is one of those albums you don’t want to end, but sadly it does after 10 really solid songs. Fans of traditional blues-based rock will love this one!
Label: Blistering Records
Web: Blistering Records and Official site
Track Listing:
“Sinner, Sinner“
”Moonster Booster”
”Cosmic Blues”
”From Another Time”
”Rebel On The Run”
”Closer Than You Think”
”Hey Mama”
”Shooting Star”
”Madman”
”Halfway To Heaven”
HRH Rating: 9/10