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| Steve Hackett - To Watch The Storms |
 Released: 2003 Label: SPV/InsideOut / InsideOut Music Cat. No.: SPV 085-65732/IOMCD 127 / IOMA 2058-2 Total Time: | |
Reviewed by: Eric Porter, July 2003 Steve Hackett is the consummate guitarist, as he seems to move through many styles with ease. Yet, he has never been viewed as the rock “guitar hero” although he possesses the tools to be one. To Watch The Storms is another testament to Steve’s diverse musical talents. Hackett is using the same musicians he had on the road last year (Roger King – keyboards, Rob Townsend – brass, woodwinds, Terry Gregory – bass, Gary O’Toole – drums), and this band really impressed me at NEARFest. Also, his brother John makes an appearance along with Ian McDonald. Hackett’s monstrously sustained guitar makes its first appearance in “Circus Of Becoming." Along with the massive organ sounds this song harkens back to Hackett’s early solo work. The influence of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man" is apparent in “Mechanical Bride," but this track also lets the band stretch out and really play. As strong as this song came off live, it maintains that energy in its studio form. The upbeat pop flavored “Brand New” features a heavy rock chorus in contrast to a subtle acoustic verse. Everything from orchestrated pieces like “Wind, Sand, And Stars," classical guitar pieces like “The Moon Under Water," to the atmospheric percussive instrumental “The Silk” (that also conjures up a small bit of Please Don’t Touch). The bluesy “Fire Island” really shows what a great tone Hackett has, as the guitar really cuts through. It also includes a little harmonica as well. Hackett’s sense of humor shows through with excerpts from the "Batman Theme," "Tequila," and other 50’s classics (it also contains a really cool organ interlude) wrapped in “Marijuana, Assassin Of Youth”. To Watch The Storms offers a variety of styles and treats the listener to a generous portion of Hackett’s guitar. Coming in two sets, the limited edition offers 5 extra tracks. Kim Poor's haunting artwork graces the cover and booklet. Although not as consistent as his earlier classics, Hackett continues to push the envelope and try new sounds and styles with excellent results. [See also Keith's, Bobo's, Steph's and Marcel's reviews -ed.] More about To Watch The Storms: Track Listing: Strutton Ground (3:04) / Circus Of Becoming (3:48) / The Devil Is An Englishman (4:27) / Frozen Statues (2:58) / Mechanical Bride (6:40) / Wind, Sand And Stars (5:08) / Brand New (4:41) / This World (5:19) / Rebecca (4:20) / The Silk Road (5:25) / Come Away (3:13) / The Moon Under Water (2:14) / Serpentine Song (6:56) Musicians: Contact: Website: www.stevehackett.com Discography
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