John Hackett

This is absolutely lovely from track one to 13. One of those albums that show that Prog in 2015 is far more than just heavy riffs and keyboards.

John Hackett is the brother of Steve and a major talent in his own right. He has written all the music for this album, alongside Neil Clabburn’s lyrics, and he has a soft and slightly wistful vocal style, much in fitting with his flute playing.

He is joined on this album by Nick Magus (who also produced the album) and brother Steve alongside Anthony Phillips. His history includes stints with Steve Hackett (on flute), Anthony Phillips, Nick Magus and as a member of Symbiosis – this is his eighth solo album.

One of the best things about the album is that even though the songs vary considerably in style there is never a point where style overcomes the substance and the music that results keeps the listener involved from the opening notes of the title track through to ‘Another Day Another Night’.

The theme seems to about escaping the turmoils of life and there are some distinctly edgy tracks, none more than the opening track that has distinct images of escape and leaving friends behind. The flute is lovely and Steve Hackett’s guitar stunning but the way that it speeds toward the end fixes the feeling of transiting to a new place. You cannot but feel the emotion build in the song and the Floyd-esque production and sound adds to it brilliantly.
‘Poison Town’ has a wistful feeling, realising the impact on the poisoned environment but also that you are trapped in it. The keyboards swirl and the flute underpins the sense of acceptance – the track is a brilliant evocation of the sense of acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed.

‘Burnt Down Trees’ has a jaunty reggae beat but you soon realise that he’s talking about riots and trouble in the streets.

This isn’t a ‘happy’ album but it is an album that satisfies deeply. The playing is superb and the songs grab you musically and melodically.
An artist of very rare talent.