A year later with the same band and Hackett takes to the road to promote the 'To Watch The Storms' album. The result is a 104 minute live mixing desk recording that, while it covers 14 of the tracks (out of 22 here) that are on the 'Nearfest' album, is still an excellent partner to that album. If anything, the arrangements here are a lot tighter and more urgent, with some sizzling ensemble work from the main soloists as well as a hugely expansive, deep and clear production, but a full sound that possesses all the dynamics of classic seventies sounding prog. With some cracking versions of 'Kim', 'Clocks', 'In That Quiet Earth', 'Please Don't Touch' in addition to many of the tracks mentioned in the other review, this is another steaming set with the whole band playing a blinder. The newer material really powers into life, even a track like 'Darktown', that sounded rather ordinary on the studio album, positively erupts into life in this live setting, as gruff vocal and early King Crimson-style synths, sax and guitars provide a track that you'd have never thought you'd hear in light of the studio album. In fact there are quite a few areas of early seventies King Crimson on display, alongside the obvious Genesis stylings, all put into the Hackett melting pot to create something of value, substance and long-lasting enjoyment. |
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