MOONBABIES

Moonbabies is shockingly good stuff which in some ways revisits and in others, completely departs from Universe. It is clear from the outset however, that Moonbabies presents a fully-realised and fully-unleashed Planet X. No previous recording delivers the compositional and production excellence evident on this album. The chemistry of the participants here makes for a definitive sound as members,guests and drum-demigod- producer (Simon Phillips) pull out all the stops in this fusion juggernaut. Practically every reasonable time signature is explored in some of the best individual pieces of music I've heard. The album is consistently potent across all ten tracks which, ironically, exposes perhaps the only weakness of the unit; the reluctance to throttle back and explore more atmospheric themes. It is understood however, that the mission of Planet X is not to deliver a broad sonic landscape but to be the "quote" sickest instrumental band in the world "unquote" and, to their credit, this kind of hyperbole would be absurd coming from pretty much any band other than Planet X. The playing is simply remarkable with Virgil Donati for example executing sublime solo chops over a 13/16 time signature (Interlude in Milan) without breaking a sweat. DS's board work is impressive, employing a vast array tastefully considered timbres from one piece to the next. His tight interplay with Tony MacAlpine's stunning guitar tracks sets entirely new standards for guitar/keyboard team- shredding. When playing at this level is injected into pieces that really are fabulously well- conceived and arranged, the result is a quintessential prog-fusion album that begs to be played often at medically dangerous volume levels. A wonderfully satisfying album from any perspective and that shade of purple used in the cover art?.........genius.