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| Steve Hackett & The Underworld Orchestra - Metamorpheus |
 Released: 2005 Label: InsideOut Music America / Camino Records Cat. No.: SPV 085-5088A CD/IOMA CD 2103 / CAMCD35 Total Time: 57:04 | |
Reviewed by: Joshua Turner, March 2005 Steve Hackett gives us his fifth classical album, but it's much more than pretentious violins meandering through a spiritless world. The music would be more than appropriate on a modern movie soundtrack. Steve's guitars give an element not too unlike the California Guitar Trio. Aspects of the orchestrations, on the other hand, bring the infamous James Horner to mind. The music is easy on the ears and effortless to follow. The album feels like it is in broken into three parts. Many of the tracks seem to fit a theme. Track five ("The Dancing Ground") and twelve ("Severance") are where the tone transitions and sets. Aside from these exceptions, the music seems to stay the course. I can see a dramatic scene in my mind unfold as each track plays. The first four tracks ("The Pool Of Memory and The Pool Of Forgetfulness," "To Earth Like Rain," "Song To Nature," and "One Real Flower") flow together like water down the drain pipe. It's an epic when you combine these pieces together. The fifth track is a nice change in pace. It heaves along by horseback through the hilly countryside. The last four songs ("Severance," "Elegy," "Return To The Realm Of Eternal Renewal," "Lyra") are livelier than the rest. It's a wake-up call from the serene slumber experienced earlier on. The album is balanced and never overburdens the listen with too much of the same. While some spots are bold and bombastic, others are more tranquil. Whatever the case, the music is almost always alluring and dishes up a steady influx of ideas. An actual orchestra is used to lay down a lavish landscape, which Steve's guitar carelessly frolics upon. Steve is strictly in the driver's seat while the violins add the breadth and dimension. The music is calm and peaceful, but it's much more than a trip to the dentist's office or a climb up an elevator. The best song bar none is "That Vast Life," which boasts a 12 minute running time. The song takes its time to develop and takes the listener on a truly wondrous journey. It reprises itself uniquely on numerous occasions with a theme that's expertly interwoven into the foundation. It also takes the listener in many new directions. Steve's style here is saintly and sophisticated. While his playing in this piece is delicate and sparse, it's poignantly persuasive as well. This piece stoically stands alone with a soothing finish that takes us gracefully into the songs to follow. Other potent passages worthy of mention are a baroque piece called "The Broken Lyre" and a scorching hot song that goes by the name of "Severance." Last, but not least, "Lyra"'s ending is extremely powerful and passionate. Here the instruments and themes drift down a swift river and meet the dampening effects of a massive sea. The Underworld Orchestra is extremely talented. If it were any other guitarist, you'd be wondering what in the world they were doing disturbing such a cleverly choreographed ballet. With Steve, however, he adds tasteful elements with finesse and finery. In addition to the continual appearance of Steve's guitar, we are also visited by violins, cellos, a double bass, flute, piccolo, trumpet, and even French horn. All the bases are covered. If you need something classy to play during a dinner party or add the proper pitch to a romantic moment, just pop this album into the stereo. Metamorpheus is a surefire way to show off your sophisticated side. The guests will certainly appreciate it. Rating: 4.25/5 [See also Marcel's and Tom's review -ed.] More about Metamorpheus: Track Listing: The Pool Of Memory And The Pool Of Forgetfulness / To Earth Like Rain / Song To Nature / One Real Flower / The Dancing Ground / That Vast Life / Eurydice Taken / Charon's Call / Cerberus At Peace / Under The World - Orpheus Looks Back / The Broken Lyre / Severance / Elegy / Return To The Realm Of Eternal Renewal / Lyra Musicians: Contact: Website: www.stevehackett.com Discography
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