DEFECTOR

This last of the classic Steve Hackett albums starts the best way it can - a masterful reflective instrumental track of grandiosity. Solemn slow drums, melody born by guitar/flute and supported by bass with pedal. Guitar is really memorable all track through. "Time to get out" represents a light-weight good pop/prog/new-wave side of things. I like singing, synth chords that sometimes sound classically-influenced. "Slogans" is a packed fusion influenced song, very untypical for Hackett. I could easily imagine Collins behind the drum set. Hacket provides some more agressive guitar strumming here, maybe comparable to Howe. Noteworthy is a very progressive last section with busy rhythm changes. An excellent track, especially for 1980!

"Two vamps as guests" represents acoustic side of Hackett, esoteric and soothing. "Jacuzzi" reminds me of late 70's Camel because of the drumming style and a bit of guitar, it's quite symphonic. "Hammer in the sand" is a departure from the guitar sound as it is led by beautiful piano and synths although there is very restrained guitar (or is it synths?) in the background. "The toast" is a less memorable track with echoes of Pink Floyd. It's more static approach would be repeated by Hackett later on. "The show" has a strong new-wave character because of synths and dancing bass guitar. It may mark the beginning of more commercial attempt of Hackett at this stage.

4 stars are guranteed for this great album that should belong to the top 5-6 by Hackett.