Music review: Steve Hackett – 鈥楢t the Edge of Light鈥�
It鈥檚 good to hear that former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is still in the business of adding to his extensive body of musical work.
鈥淎t the Edge of Light鈥� is the renowned guitarist鈥檚 latest offering that contains a diverse blending of guitar-driven progressive rock and accompanying orchestration delivered by a global cast of musicians and vocalists.
Hackett, who was a vital part of the Genesis sound on the group鈥檚 albums released between 1971 and 1977, focuses his attention on the continuous battle between good and evil in the world. The album鈥檚 title is in reference to a world reaching a critical point. It鈥檚 a world at a crossroads where it can become engulfed in despair or navigate its way toward greatness by welcoming unity instead of division.
鈥淔allen Walls and Pedestals鈥� serves as the rousing opener that instantly showcases Hackett鈥檚 guitar prowess and sets the tone for the rest of the album.
鈥淏easts in Our Time鈥� follows with warnings about the destructive forces around us and the need to be on constant guard in order to recognize our true enemies and to overcome them through love and compassion.
鈥淯nder the Eye of the Sun鈥� brings to mind classic Moody Blues. The track鈥檚 textured guitar riffs and passionate vocals convey a celebration for the beauty of nature that surrounds us and reminds us that security and comfort can be found in the simple things we experience every day.
Other highlights include the country and gospel-tinged 鈥淯nderground Railroad,鈥� the Middle Eastern influence shared on 鈥淪hadow and Flame鈥� and love ballad 鈥淭hose Golden Wings.鈥�
The album comes to an impassioned close through a three-song set that summarizes the theme of the album.
鈥淒escent鈥� is an ominous instrumental that illustrates an initial fall into darkness. 鈥淐onflict鈥� follows with a chaotic instrumental climb that illustrates the horrors of war.
Finally, 鈥淧eace鈥� serves as a soaring song of hope through a reassuring mixture of piano, strings and choir and its message of allowing love to expose and defeat hate.
Hackett will make an area appearance at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall on October 1. The concert will feature Hackett performing the Genesis album 鈥淪elling England by the Pound鈥� in its entirety as well as Hackett鈥檚 1979 solo album 鈥淪pectral Mornings,鈥� in addition to selections off his latest release.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.