TILL WE HAVE FACES

Although not the best of Steve Hackett, I do like this album, particularly as it ventures into a Brazillian theme on a number of tracks. This is hardly surprising, as most of these tracks were recorded in Brazil, and the idea for this album was hatched on one of Steve's Christmas visits to there to see Kims relatives.

Steve adopted a number of talented percussionists whilst in Brazil, and tracks such as Matilda Smith Williams Home for the Aged, What's My Name and The Rio connection really demonstrate this to the full.

Highlights are:

Matilda Smith Williams... - This humerous slant on an old peoples home in the Carribean really comes to life in the second half with a blistering samba beat that wouldn't sound out of place in a Brazillian carnival - the highlight of the album. This would be a tour show stopper if Steve could ever get these percussioninsts on stage with him - but alas, that is not likely to happen.

The Rio Connection - Good funky bass work underpins this funk/rock hybrid instrumental, which uses two brazillian drummers. Steve's harmonica and electric guitar improvisations really make this number stand out.

Duel - this rock/shuffle features the best vocals from Steve - almost sounding like the Doors Jim Morrison! this rocks on at a steady pace.

Gulf - good vocals again from Steve - this track was added in the later version of this album (86/87). Many and varied instruments are used on this number and it even has a middle eastern feel in parts. The song eventually builds up to a frenetic ending with Steve playing the hell out of his electric guitar, accompanied by Ian Mosley on Drums.

Stadiums of the Dammed is a nice musical spoof centered around a football hooligan changing his ways due to the love of a good woman!. There are elements similar to Peter Gabriels story in a song that Peter used to do so well in his Genesis days.

Although some tracks are fillers (When you wish upon a Star), and other tracks are tainted by Steve singing too high, this is still worthy of 3 stars, even without the benefit of bonus tracks which the first Hackett albuims have received recently.