Originally published by L.S. Media. September 26th 2009.

The new album by Steve Hackett has been eagerly awaited by fans for a while now and for once the anticipation of a new offering by an artist has been well worth the wait.

Out of the Tunnel’s Mouth is Steve’s 22nd solo album since leaving Genesis after the Seconds Out live album and there is no sign of Steve slowing down with his incredible work rate.

Steve is joined on the album by an array of talent including by Kajagoogoo’s bassist Nick Beggs, the wonderful Anthony Philips on 12 string guitar, John Hackett on flute and the excellent Ference Kovacs on violin. With this many gifted people on one record it would be possible to get bogged down in egos and tantrums, thankfully the album seems to have been one of those rare occasions where it was recorded in musical harmony.

The album itself opens up with the memory of childhood with some subtle backdrop of toys being played with, this seemingly innocent start hides the fact that Fire On The Moon was written during Steve’s divorce and whereas some musicians would really vent their feelings and be vitriolic to the point of obscenity, Steve is cleverer than that and the song is better for it.

The album builds up nicely to the last track Last Train to Istanbul.  The use of different instruments on this track invokes memories of pre-World War Two traveling on the continent. Due to the huge talent that Steve Hackett has in his writing and musical arrangement, it is almost possible to imagine yourself on the train as it thunders over the rail tracks on it’s way to Turkey.

Some critics have called this Steve’s best album since 1979’s stunner , and I would have to agree. I would go farther though than that and say that the entire album is as close to musical perfection that you could wish for. There are moments when Steve leaves you breathless with his guitar work and some moments of pure joy despite the subject matter.

It is without a shadow a doubt good to have Steve back.

 Ian D. Hall