Squackett, a portmanteau of the creators Chris SQUire and Steve HaCKETT combined names, is the project of the duo demonstrating their work together over the last few years.
Here for review is the 2012 release of their first project together as Squackett, an album that Steve Hackett looked to record by the sounds of the album between Out of The Tunnel’s Mouth and Beyond the Shrouded Horizon as there are elements of both of these projects of Steve’s within the writing, performance and production style. Mind you having Roger King on board was always going to make it easy to draw production similarities between Steve’s work and the Squackett project. But Roger works so well I cannot imagine the project having anyone else at the helm!
I do not have a physical copy of the album so I cannot reference artwork or sleeve notes. And, although I have been given a Digital Promo (MP3), I will buy the Deluxe 5.1 Surround version as any other version would seem a little pointless given the amount of music and the depth of the mixes that are bursting for the listeners ears.
I can readily admit to having heard work in progress versions of some of these tracks whilst I interviewed Steve Hackett on two occasions in 2010 and I think 2011 and the songs have developed since according to my memories. Let’s begin with a quick-ish review of the album, focussing on the highlights.
01. A Life Within A Day 6:35
02. Tall Ships 6:18
03. Divided Self 4:06
04. Aliens 5:32
05. Sea Of Smiles 5:25
06. The Summer Backwards 3:00
07. Storm Chaser 5:26
08. Can’t Stop The Rain 5:47
09. Perfect Love Song 4:04