Release date: May 16, 2006

Clan Destiny, the new release from classic rockers Wishbone Ash, lives up to expectations nicely. Though the band has been known for a revolving door membership over its lengthy existence, this version has been touring and going strong for awhile now. This CD, their first in four years, is testimony to the development of a band that constantly tours and plays, honing a craft, as the music is tightly executed and the musicianship is precise. The twin lead guitar excursions are still present, as are the amiable vocals and harmonies. It’s the first studio release to include Finnish guitarist Muddy Manninen, whose playing shines alongside that of Andy Powell, the band’s veteran member and leader.

The album’s opener, ‘Eyes Wide Open’, gets it started immediately with a killer dual guitar riff and power chord groove. Both guitarists lead up to a pleasing verse with an ascending melody. This is definitely in the vintage Ash groove. The guitar playing is brilliant and the tone is incredible. It’s refreshing to hear such amazing tradeoff lead work in today’s rock music arena and to hear guitarists utilize the instrument to its melodic fullest. A wonderful kindred spirit and synchronicity exists between the band members throughout the CD, especially between guitarists Andy Powell and Muddy Manninen. The rhythm section, made up of bassist Bob Skeat and drummer Ray Weston, drives with a powerful and vigorous proficiency.

‘Loose Change’ is a mellow ballad with an interesting guitar riff, kind of reminiscent of the old Fleetwood Mac song ‘Albatross’. The slide work and bended notes have a lot to do with that muse. The comparison stops there, however, as the song is contemporary and original, and very much Wishbone Ash. The background acoustic rhythm has a pleasingly elegant flow. A lap steel sustains amicably throughout as well. It’s a very pretty song. ‘Surfing On A Slow Wave’ is an interesting instrumental with a surf guitar approach and a dreamy Latin rhythm. It’s a change for Wishbone Ash, yet a very nice one at that.

Though ‘Capture That Moment’ is another in the vintage Ash vein, the twin lead attack has that Allman Brothers feel. The rhythm guitar fits, too. It has so many cool changes in it that the end is unexpected. I found myself yearning for more. I can see them turning it into one of their lengthy jam songs. Muddy does some creative slide work on the next one, ‘Your Dog’. ‘The Raven’ starts with an imaginative, soaring twin lead. The song is abundant with influence and resemblance. Though it possesses a King Crimson edge, the guitar style and melody is reminiscent of Asia. The melding of influences connecting Andy Powell and past band member John Wetton is perceptible. ‘Motherless Child’, a bluesy melody, closes the album.

Clan Destiny is a first-rate Wishbone Ash release. It should receive brisk praise from vintage rock fans as well as diehard Ash fans. The exciting dual guitar and congenial vocals are present, and the songs are melodious and exhilarating. This is the best Wishbone Ash album in quite awhile, maybe even since the fourth one. It’s nice when something new has just the right blend of current and vintage sounds.

Clan Destiny Track Listing

1. Eyes Wide Open

2. Dreams Outta Dust

3. Healing Ground

4. Steam Town

5. Loose Change

6. Surfing A Slow Wave

7. Slime Time

8. Capture The Moment

9. Your Dog

10. The Raven

11. Motherless Child

Produced by Andy Powell

Wishbone Ash is:

Andy Powell: lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin

Muddy Manninen: vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, slide and lap steel

Bob Skeat: bass, piano, clavinet and vocals

Ray Weston: drums and percussion

2006 Talking Elephant Records - Eagle Records

Links
Wishbone Ash
Clan Destiny on Amazon.com