Blue Horizons is the latest release from the legendary British rock band band Wishbone Ash. Long credited with creating the often imitated twin harmony guitar attack later made famous by bands such as Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Iron Maiden, Opeth, and Judas Priest, Wishbone Ash first debuted on the scene back in 1969 and have been releasing albums ever since with varied line-ups over the years but still managing to thrill audiences with their guitar centered mix of hard rock, blues, jazz, and prog. The current line-up of the band features founding guitarist/vocalist Andy Powell, along with guitarist Muddy Manninen, bassist Bob Skeat, and drummer Joe Crabtree.
Strong melodies and instrumental brilliance have always been the main ingredients of any Wishbone Ash album, and that's still the case here. "Take It Back" kicks things off with irresistible guitar harmonies and Powell's hook laden vocal delivery. It's a catchy tune and features some tasty guitar lines. "Deep Blues" is more of a blues-rocker that reminds of some of Robin Trower's more recent material, as well as ZZ Top, with Powell & Manninen digging deep with some gritty solos, and "Strange How Things Come Back Around" shows the bands pop leanings complemented by some nice slide guitar. I'm reminded of Eric Johnson's atmospheric rock style on "Being One", with Powell's melodic vocals really shining and a searing, heavy middle section eventually giving way to some jazzy guitar solos for a great treat. "Way Down South" is a rootsy rocker, almost Southern Rock-ish in spots, and the anthem "Tally Ho!" again takes a Southern Rock approach, but with a memorable chorus and plenty of six string pyrotechnics. "Mary Jane" cranks out more blues as well as some boogie, while "American Century" adds some jazz & prog elements to the formula. The near 8-minute title track features some guest organ to the mix for a majestic ride that combines classic Wishbone Ash with some modern prog ala The Flower Kings that results in one of the albums highlights. Plenty of sensational guitar solos on this one as you can imagine. The also lengthy closer "All There Is to Say" brings Celtic themes to the forefront and again winds & weaves with some compelling instrumental passages.
It's pretty obvious by Blue Horizons that Andy Powell & Co. still have plenty of creativity left in the tank. This is a very fine album, filled with emotional vocals, sizzling guitar playing, lush atmosphere, and memorable melodies. Recommended!
Track Listing
1) Take It Back
2) Deep Blues
3) Strange How Things Come Back Around
4) Being One
5) Way Down South
6) Tally Ho!
7) Mary Jane
8) American Century
9) Blue Horizon
10) All There Is To Say
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