I truly think Martin Barre has found his place as solo artist in the world of Rock 'n' Roll.
This is the sixth solo release from former Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre and it may well be his most important to date.
The previous solo album, 2013's 'Away With Words', was a warm and wonderful collection of acoustic and electric guitar songs, with a few JT favourites given a new lease of life. Anyone lucky enough to have experienced Barre's live shows will know the man plays a mean Blues Rock guitar, something he has really infused into this latest release.
The title track gives the guitar full reign to let loose, it's a standard Blues Rock number in a style Barre would never have had the chance to perform in his JT days. Singer Dan Crisp continues to astound with his vocal delivery, handling both the Tull songs ('Slow Marching Band' and 'Skating Away') with complete ease.
I especially enjoyed the big Rock chorus of 'Moment Of Madness' and the approach to the guitar work really is something new from Barre. There are some wonderful instrumental moments offered in 'Chasing Shadows' and 'Hammer' that just seem to end too soon. However, the cover of The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby' doesn't really work as this song is so firmly established in the musical world.
The diversity of song-writing on 'Back To Steel' is to be applauded, from the steel guitar Blues of 'Bad Man' to the almost New Wave structure of 'I'm Getting Better'.
I truly think Martin Barre has found his place as solo artist in the world of Rock 'n' Roll.
Ray Paul
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