(Review from progarchives.com, wishboneash.co.uk)

For the recording of New England – titled after the area of the US in which they were now living and working – Wishbone Ash decided to record most of the album in Martin Turner’s basement using a mobile recording truck. Only for final overdubs would the band enter the studio. The aim of this unorthadox approach to recording was to capture some of the band’s live energy while still incorporating some of the influences and advanced studio techniques. “New England” was rush released in October 1976, seven months after their disaster of “Locked In”.

We open with “Mother of Pearl”, the loudest track on the album. The song is an upbeat slice of power rock with fine harmonies delivering a strong melody and hook. The twin guitars drive the track along. This however is not representative of the album as a whole. “New England” is surprisingly reflective and melodic. The ballad “(In all of my dreams) You rescue me” gives a far better indication of what to expect here, especially on the second side of the album. “Runaway” is an out and out rock song. “Lorelei”, which became a popular live track, is a mid-paced piece which builds to a fine guitar ending.

Side two flows rather nicely from start to finish. Starting with the routine but enjoyable instrumental “outward bound”, we are taken through a brief “Argus” like “Prelude” to and effective rock ballad “When You Know Love”. The song features Ash’s trademark guitar sound and vocal harmonies delivering an attractive melody. The relaxed, downbeat atmosphere of the side continues with “Lonely Island”, where some of the finest guitar work on the album can be found. The track really is something of a lost gem in the Wishbone Ash catalogue. We close with a further short soft guitar piece “Candlelight”.

“New England” is one of Wishbone Ash’s most accomplished works.

Line-up:
- Andy Powell / electric & acoustic guitars, mandolin, vocals
- Laurie Wisefield / electric & slide guitars, vocals
- Steve Upton / drums
- Martin Turner / bass, lead vocals
with
- Nelson ‘Flaco’ Padron / percussion

Track List:
01. Mother Of Pearl – 4:33
02. (In All Of My Dreams) You Rescue Me – 6:13
03. Runaway – 3:18
04. Lorelie – 5:28
05. Outward Bound – 4:55
06. Prelude – 1:13
07. When You Know Love – 5:50
08. Lonely Island – 4:31
09. Candlelight – 1:50

Link in comments.