DEFECTOR

At album level, "Defector" represented a major drop from critically acclaimed "Spectral Morning" previously released by Steve Hackett. Through this album Steve wanted to demonstrate more role of keyboards in his compositions by maintaining his guitar style. At track level there are excellent track that worth listening specifically the Steve Hackett's unique guitar sounds.

"The Steppes" is an excellent album opener with simple structure with a music theme that revolves around great harmony between keyboards and guitars aided by Taurus bass pedals. No major challenge is given to drummer as it functions as beat keeper. "Time To Get Out" is not something attractive to have a listen but it represents one of Hackett's pop music characteristics - straight forward bass line, mediocre vocals, simple structure. "Slogans" is a great track that demonstrates a great combination of keyboard and guitar works. It has excellent and relatively complex riffs performed beautifully in an upbeat style. It has become one of Steve' legendary songs, and usually performed live in concert. "Leaving" is a good mellow track in classical outfit exploring keyboard, guitar fills and vocals. It continues seamlessly to fully acoustic guitar in classical music style under "Two Vamps as Guests" with a bit of melody from "The Steppes".

"Jacuzzi" is one of the high light songs. It's an instrumental song that combines energetic and explorative keyboard with guitar works in an uplifting mood and upbeat style. The interlude part with keyboard improvisation and excellent drumming is really good. This is a great song and has become one of key features in some Steve's performance on stage. "Hammer In The Sand" is a short and nice piano outfit combined with keyboard; good melody. "The Toast" is a link track that connects to a happy mood track that has become my favorite: "The Show". It's actually a simple and straight forward track but it's a nice one to enjoy. I like the keyboard work aided with a good drum beats and inventive bass lines. It's the kind of track that you would want to play early in the morning to cheer up the start of the day. It's really good! The concluding track "Sentimental Institution" was co-written with Peter Hicks. It's a kind of oldie pop song with jazzy style and distant vocal style. It's an entraining one to enjoy - provided the right mood.

It's not a good album to start with but overall it's a good album. Keep on proggin' .!

Progressively yours, GW