It's been a little more than a week since I last did one of these. The bank holiday (Memorial Day weekend) killed my supply of discs for a few days so I thought I would give the current batch a bit more of an ear-over. The results have been most satisfying and quite varied. Of course some that variety occured on the same disc.
Enough jarring lets get to the CD reviews.

Hourcast: State of Disgrace

I never really heard of this lot before this disc and I have to say it took a bit of time for them to sink in musically. They did eventually; especially after few listens on the ole' iPod. From the haunting piano of "This Life" you know you are into something that sounds vaguely modern while retaining what quantifies it as quality. It has a bit of a Trivium feel here; that is not a complaint.

Like Trivium there are clear hints to metal giants like Iron Maiden as with the song "Freeze" whose bass/guitar combo is pure Maiden goodness. The video to this awesome track is available on their website. Currently on tour with Sevendust and Soil, they sound on CD like they would be awesome live.
Hourcast is a classic example of the new breed of heavy clever hard rock and metal coming out of the US at the moment. There is a clear sense of quality on this CD; although 13 tracks might be a tad over ambitious as things flag a bit towards the end. If you are looking to take a chance on a new act for the summer then seek out this lot. Well worth price of admission.

Moonstone Project: Time to Take a Stand

You might think that getting together this lot (Kelly Keeling, Glenn Hughes, Carmine Appice, Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, James Christian, Paul Shortino, Eric Bloom and several others with a shit-hot Italian guitarist, in the form of Matt Fillipinni) is a formula for a trite music wank-fest. In fact they have produced a damn good album; much like Stuart Smith's Heaven & Earth.
He uses a variety of voices and styles to full effect from the funk of Glenn Hughes to driving rock of Graham Bonnet's vocal-styling on "City of Lites." For an album like this to get it right; you have to really want to see the musicians perform it live and this is no exception. Quite frankly there ain't a turkey on this CD. This might have something to do with the fact you get nine tracks and no 16 track fluff extravaganza. This is an album of sheer class. I hope this is not a one-off and we hear more from Mr Fillipinni and his gang of mates.