SPECTRAL MORNINGS

The opening number is an ode to "Wind & Wuthering". His great debut album was premonitory of things to come and this song is just a reminder that Steve was not off-line with the musical direction that "Genesis" did take with this great album ("Wind", I mean).

Lots of good songs on this album. Another voyage in the catalogue of my preferred band. "The Virgin & The Gypsy" being a long trip back into "Trespass". Sublime and delicate flute playing. This is a wonderful and sweet track. Could have been all instrumental since vocals here are not truly performing.

This has been taken care of during "Clocks". A great and symphonic track which, again, should drawn your "Genesis" attention. My favourite from this album and really impressive. Dark to scary mood to start, it has some "Carmina Burana" connotations (it's the second time that some references to classical music is made in this album). This relatively short song is a four part track which evolves to fine guitar work (but this is a Hackett album, right?) before the finale which is 100 percent "Los Endos" oriented. What else can I say after such a trip?

Tigermoth is also based on a scary intro and features a great and spacey mellotron. Fully atmospheric for a while, this composition is again a complex story. Several theme changes, but all of them are interesting. Another highlight of this very good work. Well done Steve!

The closing and title track is another symphonic jewel. Fully instrumental (which is better IMHHO). These mellotron lines are again superb. But when mellotron enters the scene-as when flute does-, I am quite biased. That's for sure, I damned like this gorgeous instrument. The combination with the lush guitar solo is another highlight of this album.

It is not my fave from him (this will remain "Voyage Of The Acolyte"). But definitely one of his best. I can only agree with Hughes and Tony while describing the vocal parts. Not on par with the music. Still, four stars.

Share this STEVE HACKETT review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ZowieZiggy
• Report this review (#159023)
• Buy STEVE HACKETT music online with PA partners
• Show all STEVE HACKETT MP3/Stream
• Go to STEVE HACKETT page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Spectral Mornings page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for STEVE HACKETT related discussions