The coming of Stoner Rock/Metal in the early half of the 90s along all those Alternative Rock tendencies represented a turn, a ‘back-to-the-roots’ tendency that unleashed a search (and research) for older forms of Metal and Rock of the 60s and 70s. Again: it’s just what existed before BLACK SABBATH created Heavy Metal, when BLUE CHEER, THE CREAM, THE WHO and others were just playing that acid mix between Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues. And with influences of such era comes the Italian trio MOONIN DOWN, here with “The Third Planet”. Recorded and having the sound engineered of Fabio Buda (the band’s bass player/vocalist) at Beacon from Mars Studio, with mixing mastering done by Emil Bureau, the idea was to give a ‘stripped off’ sonority focused only on what the band could do (and without endless digital corrections and ‘second lines’ of the musical instruments). It’s defined and strong, clean and understandable for anyone.

On the descriptions above, one can understand that the trio focuses its creative powers on something that could be said as Stoner Rock, but on a deeper since, it’s a mix between Psychedelic Rock, Hard Rock, Blues, and more (because there are times when Country Rock and Southern Rock traces can be heard). Coherent, melodic and full of hooks, the fans of older tendencies will love it for sure. “Bones” (with its 60s melodies and psychedelic feeling prompted by the guitars), “Wheels” (a savage Hard ‘n’ Roll song free of compromises and full of accessible melodies, with very good work on bass guitar and drums), “The Third Planet” (a deep and melodic journey into a mix between Psychedelic Rock and Progressive Rock influences, with tender melodies and good vocals), “Springtime” (a deeper and melancholic appeal inherited from Blues Rock is felt on this one), “Moonin Down” (another intimate moment full of organic guitars and echoes on the vocals) and “The Day that David Bowie Died” will give a taste to the fans of what the album is about. But the vocals can evolve a bit more (they’re good, but can be better).

“The Third Planet” is a very good release for those into Old School Rock formats, and MOONIN DOWN came to embrace a great number of fans.