CELL 151

The albums Cured (1981) and especially Highly Strung (1982) were a very disappointing musical experience for me, Hackett made more and more polished and predictable compositions, some were even close to crap! This maxi-single contains music that prooves Steve Hackett was still able to make good symphonic prog.

Side 1 starts with a sound that is, how cynical, close to The Phil Collins Trio their popprog in The Eighties: a catchy rhythm with a modern keyboard sound and a song oriented approach. But halfway we can enjoy a long instrumental interlude featuring a fiery electric guitar solo and a spectacular break with a biting guitar sound and a spectacular synthesizer solo. Side 2 starts with a live recording of the mindblowing composition Air Conditioned Nightmare (nomination for the best ever progrock title!): a very propulsive and exciting rhythm with bombastic keyboards and biting electric guitar (the very distinctive Steve Hackett guitar sound) and sensational synthesizer flights, incredible how this shy and introvert personality sublimates some dark feelings into this heavy and bombastic piece of music! The final track is a long instrumental piece with wonderful classical guitar, very warm, sensitive and romantic, what a contrast with the previous song.

My rating: 3,5 stars. Check out on E-Bay!