Moonstone Project
Time To Take A Stand

Hard Rock Today

Strange as it may seem, in the musical 2006 there's a hint of Hard Rock in the air. Yes, you heard right, we're talking about Hard Rock, that genre that in the 70s (thanks to people like Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Rainbow) reached its peak and maximum expansion, only to gradually fade away almost to the point of disappearing today.

But, exactly, what's the point of playing hard rock today? In terms of innovation, absolutely none, but if it's about paying homage to a genre like this with a well-crafted and flavor-rich album, well then the operation still has a point (and we welcome it).

And if we add that this "Moonstone Project," a project that revolves around the figure of Matteo Filippini, an Italian guitarist with great class and excellent taste, features collaborations from Glenn Hughes, Ian Paice, Steve Walsh, Carmine Appice, Graham Bonnett, and Eric Bloom (among others, people who not only started this genre but "educated" it), you understand that this isn't just a simple tribute, but a potential "2000s" high-quality hard rock album.

And so it is, without a doubt. From the superb introduction of "Slave of Time," featuring a powerful captivating riff by our own Matteo and a gritty vocal performance by Steve Walsh, to the closing "On The Way To Moonstone" with Eric Bloom on vocals, which (I predict) will be an excellent closing for the group's live concerts, passing through the fast and direct "Not Dead Yet" (with Graham Bonnett) and "City Of Lites" (with a very "Sabbathian" sluggish riff), the CD exudes its own energy and vitality, with masterful performances by all the project's "guests."

But the true highlights are the two tracks with Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice (together again since 1975!) on bass&vocals and drums, respectively. The first, "Rose In Hell" is an excellent funk rock living on Paice's exceptional drumming, full of groove and feeling and Hughes' warm and engaging interpretation (not for nothing nicknamed "The Voice Of Rock"). The second "Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got" is, as the title suggests, a slow and sorrowful blues in which Filippini showcases his ability to play with long notes, with a splendid solo; Hughes is convincing and participating and embarks on a truly heartfelt vocal performance, accompanied by the always excellent Paice. Besides these, "Picture Of My Lonely Days" also deserves special mention for its collaboration with Carmine Appice on drums; the rhythm is vibrant and sustained, and the theme proves particularly successful thanks to a well-executed and tasteful guitar solo.

Dedicated (the CD, not the review) to every lover of good old Hard Rock.

 
Line Up:

Matt Filippini - Guitars

Glenn Hughes - Vocals

Graham Bonett - Vocals

Steve Walsh - Vocals

Paul Shortino - Vocals

Kelly Keeling - Vocals

Eric Bloom - Vocals

James Christian - Vocals

Carmine Appice - Drums

Ian Paice - Drums

Tony Franklin - Bass

Howie Simon - Guitar