DARKTOWN

Genesis former guitar hero leaves the acustic guitar and makes a return to the prog world with what appears to be a dark album with one or two Crimson influences and with one of two Crimsons; John Wetton and Ian McDonald make guest appearances in bass and saxophone respectively. But to say this album is dark wouldn´t be very accurate for, although there are certain dark tones here and there, I don´t think it get anywhere near dark, with the possible exception of both Darktown and Darktown riot. Nor would it being called a symphonic rock album, personally this sounds more Neo than anything else.

Before I go on I would like to say that I don´t consider Hackett a virtuoso as many do, he is a fine guitarist but technically he has some way ahead of being one. On the other hand I think he doesn´t need to be one for his compositional skills are far more interesting than thoused notes per second. Now, on to the music. The album opens with an instrumental: Omega Metallicus. With slapping bass (probably provided by mr. Wetton) and sharp guitar licks which quickly turn into solos. I gotta say, although the playing is exciting I don´t get much out of this song, nor, for that matter, any other. No song is bad, and there aren´t probably weak moments which can be finger pointed out, but at the same time nothing stand out too much, at least for the average listener, Hackett fans really seem to like this album a lot, can´t say I agree.

To summon things up, Hackett gives us an Ok album that will not take away the sleep of most progheads but at the same time won´t be the subject of strong disliking.