MATTHEW

The new album, 'Matthew', shows the band at probably their most confident ever, and is a major step forward from their last album 'Living In A Promised Land'. The songs are very strong, and the production is top quality. There is so much on here to enjoy, but the highlights are the way that they encompass slightly different musical ideas to give reach song a very strong identity. The slide guitar on "Alone Ahead" is not overpowering, but is integral. Probably my favourite part is the lazy introduction to "The Highway Man": it's only a few bars but it proves that anything Wishbone Ash can do, then Jump can do at least as well.

Originally appeared in Feedback #59