'Wild Orchids' Review (from the Space Rock UK website)
Ex Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is certainly cracking them out these days. This is his fifth album of the noughties and that doesn't include the "Once Upon A Time" DVD. So it must irk for a review to begin 'ex Genesis guitarist'.
And the ex Genesis guitarist (stop it) has turned out a blinder. Across 13 tracks (17 if you got the bells, whistles and hobnob special edition - I think that means a cardboard case) he glides with ease across genres and themes, producing one of the finest progressively touched albums of the year. It seems as though he is trying to merge the worlds of the predecessor albums - the rock based "To Watch The Storms" and the classically inclined "Metamorpheus", and succeeds with applomb.
To that end he has retained the services of the bijou Underworld Orchestra to augment the band and add their particular flavour to the music. Some may balk at the wide range this album covers but that's all part of its considerable charm.
For those in love with the rawk, the Zepesque "Down Street" will be a favourite, which gives Mr hackett a rare chance to indulge in some moothie action, as well the sturm und drang of "Ego & Id". "To A Close" is a personal favourite - melodic, melancholic, almost sepulchural. Even the (yeuch) Bob Dylan cover is tolerable as Steve combines Johnny Cash and Peter Green (his words, not mine).
A fabulous album that offers more with every listening, this will turn out to be one of the highlights of the year.
Reviewer: Stuart A Hamilton
Score: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
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For Wild Orchids (Standard Edition) - Click Here
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