HIGHLY STRUNG

One of his more consistant albums, even if the highs aren't as high as some of his best songs (no "Every Day", "Virgin and the Gypsy" or 'Narnia" here.) Every track has something of interest, whether it's a memorable melody and lyric ("only the fool learns to get through" from "Camino Royale"), an odd drum sound or production choice ("Cell 151", "Walking Through Walls"), or just great band interplay ("Camino Royale", "Group Therapy", "Hackett To Pieces.") There is actually some developement in the guitar and keyboard technique with this album, and Steve Hackett and Nick Magnus display their ever-growing skill in the very fusiony "Group Therepy", and Steve really tears things up in the aptly titled closer. "Always Somewhere Else" also contains one of the best examples of his ability to transpose emotion into pure notes. To lighten things up, instead of wowing us with his classical abilities a la "A Cradle of Swans" this time around, there is an introspective piano/vocal musing in "India Rubber Man", which is pretty unique and fits Steve's voice very well. If you already have his first few albums and are craving more early Hackett, this very consistant effort is highly recommended.