By:
Stewart Brennan ~ World United Music ~
“At
the Edge of Light” is a new ten track album by Steve Hackett which covers a
wide variety of genres and sounds in a progressive experimental matrix.
The
album projects, at its core, a concept of morality that is, in my opinion, an
awakening of sorts that clearly sees that mankind has strayed
from the path in the forest of life to a point where there is darkness surrounding
us; while also seeing the light ahead on a path we should be travelling.
The
titles of the album’s 10 tracks lend us the intuition of what to expect from
this record; from fallen walls of ancient empires to the beasts in our time, to
the conflicts within, resolution and peace.
ALBUM: At The Edge
Of Light (54:25)
TRACKS
1. Fallen Walls And Pedestals
(02:16)
2. Beasts In Our Time (06:21)
3. Under The Eye Of The Sun (07:07)
4. Underground Railroad (06:23)
5. Those Golden Wings (11:20)
6. Shadow And Flame (04:24)
7. Hungry Years (04:34)
8. Descent (04:21)
9. Conflict (02:37)
10.
Peace (05:02)
(Album released by record label “Inside Out Music” January 25th, 2019) - Order Album at this link
The
music is consciously expressive of the World around us, past and present and
comes after months of touring on top of Steve Hackett’s last two albums “Wolflight”
(March 27th, 2015) and “The Night Siren” (March 24th,
2017), Two great albums in their own right that also play a part in 2019’s “at
the Edge of Light”.
“At
the Edge of Light” is just what it implies…it gives the impression of humanity
existing at the edge of twilight, racing to catch up with the sun, to shed the
cloak of darkness that is quickly consuming the world…while at the same time
revealing that there is hope and peace if together, we choose it make it happen.
And
so, in this context, here is my review and perception of the 10 tracks on “At
the Edge of Light”.
10 Tracks:
01 – Fallen Walls
and Pedestals
“At
the Edge of Light” continues where the “Night Siren” left off and opens with
the sounds of the “Tar”, a Persian instrument shared by many cultures in the
Middle East and Caucasus region. The instrument is fitting to express almost
empathically the ancient and current conflicts in the cradle of humanity.
The
song then moves quickly to thundering drums projecting a storm that leads into
an orchestral story of conflict and despair depicted by the brilliant lead
guitar expressions of Steve Hackett.
“Fallen
Walls and Pedestals” conjures up thoughts and feelings of the dark place the
world is in today but also the enormity and the tininess of an ancient fallen
empire, both empathically projected through the guitar playing of Steve
Hackett.
02 – Beasts in Our
Time
“Beasts
in Our Time” is a continuation of the first track, “Fallen Walls and
Pedestals”, that expresses musically, the ills and evils of our times. It begins
with orchestral notes of melancholy that intertwine with expressive lyrics,
into an amazing sax solo including Steve Hackett’s stunning guitar work which then
breathes life into every turn of the song along with an expressive
orchestration. Also, of note is the impeccable drumming, and base playing that carries
the flow and tight delivery of a supporting cast that makes this one of the
best Progressive Rock songs of the year.
Official Song Stream: Beasts in Our Time
03 – Under the Eye
of the Sun
“Under
the Eye of the Sun” emerges out from under the blanket of darkness that
pervades our world, to bring forth the light of hope in an upbeat, lively and positive
musical spirit, that invigorates an empathic reach for the stars…
Steve
Hackett reminds us that its not too late to change our fate and that we can
vanquish the darkness that covers the Earth if we decide to do it. Such is the
power we have within us, one which can also be found all around us in nature.
The
song is a choir of upbeat sounds carried by brilliant drumming, vocals and
guitar work that shapes the song into a euphoric expression…the music then
slows to capture the awe and amazement felt when standing before a cathedral of
natural history with the didgeridoo and viola shaping a humble acknowledgement
to the waves of truth calling from ancient times. I find the song uplifting and
reverent to the soul.
Official Song Stream: Under the
Eye of the Sun
04 – Underground
Railroad
“Underground
Railroad” is truly a fitting song to follow “Under the Eye of the Sun” in that
it presents hope for a better world as historically, the “Underground Railroad”
was a ray of hope for many, and a lifeline away from the barbaric world of
slavery.
The
harmonica and dobro guitar at the beginning of the song brings to mind a train
whistle and several people hiding in the shade, from the heat of the sun, with
elevated levels of adrenalin pumping through them in anticipation of escaping
their bondage.
The
unmistakable gospel voices of Durga & Lorelei McBroom soon kick in to give
the song a real taste of hope and freedom and then moves on to tell its story
with a far-off approaching dobro guitar and lyrics that capture the moment…and
then just as quickly, the song takes off with a drum kick and dobro buildup
that moves into a sophisticated progressive rock collage that musically describes
the conflict and struggle people endured. All of which is brilliantly portrayed
by the captivating guitar playing of Steve Hackett. The song then concludes
with moments of jubilation by choir like vocals and guitar work to then fade to
the train simulating dobro guitar, carrying an eerie reminder that the struggle
carries on…a brilliant expression in every way.
Official Song Stream: Underground
Railroad
05 – Those Golden
Wings
“Those
Golden Wings” opens with a symphonic portrayal of heaven, as if standing before
the creator with a lifetime on display in all its fullness, value and merit…the
song moves effortlessly to an acoustic tale with meaningful lyrics that builds into
an orchestral accounting with a telling and memorable chorus. The story then
continues through Steve Hackett’s captivating lead guitar that expresses the
emotional peaks and valley’s in the complicated turns of ones lifetime. Together,
they combine with the magical elements of cinematic surround and operatic choir
to encompass an expression of a full life lived and on display as part of a
greater realm.
I
love this song as it blends Classical elements, operatic highs, captivating
symphonic expressions, alluring lyrics and Steve Hackett’s brilliant signature
lead guitar to build an unbelievably great progressive rock tune. This is classic
progressive rock at its finest.
06 – Shadow and
Flame
The
song “Shadow and Flame” opens with a ping, an Indian sitar and drum with vocals
that vibrate an aura of the ancient past, as if part of the old silk road comes
back to life from its death to teach us that the answers to the future lay in
understanding the past.
The
song then moves forward, carried by brilliant drumming that easily shifts a
changing tempo with a sitar that is expressive as though telling a story
through its notes and vibrations…and always the symphonic surround sounds that emulate
concern and immediacy. There are also points within the song that connect to
“In the Skeleton Gallery” from “The Night Siren” which then evolves into the
sophisticated array of Roger Kings keys and Steve Hackett’s guitar as they
weave in and out of each other to the songs end. An amazing tale told through
music.
07 – Hungry Years
“Hungry
Years” is an upbeat popish tune that at times reminds me of “The Seekers” -
“I’ll Never Find Another You” and at other times reminds me of Mike Oldfield’s “Moonlight
Shadow”, but it goes where those songs could not. (For all you old school DJ’s
out there, that’s a hint 😉)
Wonderful
harmonies with a walk down memory lane and a genius solo on lead guitar. Who
say’s Steve Hackett can’t do pop?
08, 09, 10 –
Descent, Conflict, Peace
The
final 3 songs on the album “Descent, “Conflict” and “Peace” can be viewed as three
parts of one song that takes us through to the album’s conclusion.
“The
Descent” is a dark orchestral march and cinematic descent into the shadows
preparing to face the maw of darkness that is eating up all life and spiritual
connection to this planet.
“Conflict” – is coming face to face with the
darkness in a determined battle. Engaging orchestral and cinematic soundscapes
with an empathic lead guitar emulating the fight for survival and battle to
victory.
“Peace”
begins with simple piano and vocals to express the end of conflict, the
peaceful silence that comes after victory…a victory achieved by our unity to
confront the darkness.
In
the song, Steve Hackett leaves me with these final thoughts; Trust in your
intuition that love always conquers. Face your fears for it is half the battle,
as the darkness will dissipate upon your awakening to reveal that the sun does
indeed come up the next day and that thinking with your heart is truly the way
forward.
A
magnificent end to a brilliant album.
Conclusion:
“At
the Edge of Light” by Steve Hackett is both an intellectually and spiritually
crafted masterpiece of expression told through the empathic vines of music and
lyric.”
In
my opinion, the album is one of his best if not the best album that Steve
Hackett has produced so far, during his solo career.
Some
of Steve Hackett’s previous albums such as “Wild Orchids”, “Wolflight” and “The
Night Siren” place well on my favourites list, but “At the Edge of Light” for
me, tops them all for its well rounded and awakened concept in trying to make
the world a better place.
“At
the Edge of Light” receives two thumbs up from this old DJ. “A Fantastic
album!”
Steve Hackett: At
the Edge of Light (Interview)
Album Line-Up:
Steve Hackett – electric &
acoustic guitars, 12
strings, dobro, bass, harmonica,
vocals
Gulli Briem – drums, percussion
Dick Driver – double bass
Benedict Fenner – keyboards &
programming
John Hackett – flute
Roger King – keyboards, programming
&
orchestral arrangements
Amanda Lehmann – vocals
Durga McBroom – vocals
Lorelei McBroom – vocals
Malik Mansurov – tar
Sheema Mukherjee – sitar
Gary O’Toole – drums
Simon Phillips – drums
Jonas Reingold – bass
Paul Stillwell – didgeridoo
Christine Townsend – violin, viola
Rob Townsend – tenor sax, flute,
duduk, bass
clarinet
Nick D’Virgilio – drums
Steve Hacket’s Official Links:
