moonstone project rebel on the run

Released: 01 June 2009 Label: Blistering Records

Moonstone Project is the brainchild of Italian session guitarist Matt Filippini (Blue Oyster Cult amongst others). Alongside his hand-picked band, this album also features a number of guest apperances from some of the most well-known names in melodic rock.
 
As well as the considerable talents of House of Lords vocalist James Christian on all bar one of the ten tracks. Rebel on the Run also features cameos from Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep), Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull) and AOR diva Robin Beck. Additionally, Deep Purple legends Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice throw their considerable talent into the mix too.
 
Given the background and experience of the musicians involved, it will come as no surprise that Rebel on the Run showcases a colletion of highly polished and faultlessly executed melodic rock songs. The album succeeds in capturing both the soul and spirit of pioneers like the aforementioned Deep Purple, and the lighter-in-the-air bombast of mid-80s arena rock.
 
The Hammond-driven Moonster Booster brings an irresistable swagger to the party, while a more downbeat mood underpins the smouldering Cosmic Blues, transporting the listener to a sleazy after hours drinking den on the wrong side of town.
 
The musicians on this album know their chops and play with style, space and economy throughout. Tracks like Hey Mama and Shooting Star happily combine everything from Skynyrd-style southern groove to 70s funk fusion, without ever becoming disjointed or muddled. There is too much talent here for that ever to happen.
 
This isn't an album to have you diving into the pit and waving your devil horns in the air. It is though a strong, classy and mature album that oozes quality from beginning to end. Looking at the CVs of those involved, you never expected anything else did you?

by Marcus Jervis