Music review: Steve Hackett – ‘At the Edge of Light’
It’s good to hear that former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett is still in the business of adding to his extensive body of musical work.
“At the Edge of Light” is the renowned guitarist’s latest offering that contains a diverse blending of guitar-driven progressive rock and accompanying orchestration delivered by a global cast of musicians and vocalists.
Hackett, who was a vital part of the Genesis sound on the group’s albums released between 1971 and 1977, focuses his attention on the continuous battle between good and evil in the world. The album’s title is in reference to a world reaching a critical point. It’s a world at a crossroads where it can become engulfed in despair or navigate its way toward greatness by welcoming unity instead of division.
“Fallen Walls and Pedestals” serves as the rousing opener that instantly showcases Hackett’s guitar prowess and sets the tone for the rest of the album.
“Beasts in Our Time” follows with warnings about the destructive forces around us and the need to be on constant guard in order to recognize our true enemies and to overcome them through love and compassion.
“Under the Eye of the Sun” brings to mind classic Moody Blues. The track’s textured guitar riffs and passionate vocals convey a celebration for the beauty of nature that surrounds us and reminds us that security and comfort can be found in the simple things we experience every day.
Other highlights include the country and gospel-tinged “Underground Railroad,” the Middle Eastern influence shared on “Shadow and Flame” and love ballad “Those Golden Wings.”
The album comes to an impassioned close through a three-song set that summarizes the theme of the album.
“Descent” is an ominous instrumental that illustrates an initial fall into darkness. “Conflict” follows with a chaotic instrumental climb that illustrates the horrors of war.
Finally, “Peace” serves as a soaring song of hope through a reassuring mixture of piano, strings and choir and its message of allowing love to expose and defeat hate.
Hackett will make an area appearance at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall on October 1. The concert will feature Hackett performing the Genesis album “Selling England by the Pound” in its entirety as well as Hackett’s 1979 solo album “Spectral Mornings,” in addition to selections off his latest release.
Clint Rhodes is the Herald-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.