Guitar virtuoso Matt Filippini's latest outing, and as usual with a host of guests too. From the opening 'Sinner Sinner', you get solid guitar, riffs and solos, a funk metal edge, solid vocals from James Christian, and guests include Ken Hensley, Robin Beck and drummer Clive Bunker. 'Moonster Booster' continues in a similar fashion. Some nice guitar solos, augmented by band member Del Vecchio's keyboards.

'Cosmic Blues' is a slower number that is as soulful as it is bluesy. Glenn Hughes may sing on only one track ('Closer Than you Think'), but the whole album could be up is street. Much of the soul and funk throughout could nod strongly at Stevie Wonders' heavier moments.

'Closer...', itself sees Glenn Hughes adding a whisper to his voice, it's one of the more gentle tracks, and he sounds less like himself than Christian does on the other tracks. The track is lightly orchestrated too.

The opening riff to 'Hey Mama', almost a boogie number, is reminiscent of 'Smokestack Lightning', so you get the gist of where the album is coming from.

Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice appears on 'Halfway To Heaven' too.

Some great work throughout, if a little samey. If you like funk metal or soulful rock, you'll love this.

***½

Review by Joe Geesin

www.joegeesin.com