Four and 1/2 stars
Adam G. Hanson | Roy,Ut | 06/25/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I won't say too much, but I am a Hackett completist. I have to buy anything he comes out with. The odd thing is; Steve rarely comes out with a thoroughly satisfying record. This one is about as close as it's going to get. The guitar playing is stellar throughout (even more so than usual). The writing is better than usual. I think Steve is in a very good part of his career right now. Maybe he's better off without Kim??"
Solid Hackett
J. Ashley | 06/20/2010
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The new original material composed by Steve Hackett on "Out of the Tunnels Mouth" is good, solid Hackett, at the peak of his formidable technique. I especially enjoyed "Emerald and Ash", with beautiful harmonic 12 string accompaniment from Anthony Phillips. Not every track is as memorable, but an enjoyable effort nevertheless. It is an album that grows on you over time. If you enjoyed "To Watch the Storms", you will probably find much to like in this album.
The second disc contains live material from the 2009 tour in Italy, which are mostly Genesis tracks. Genesis purists may not think percussionist Gary O'Toole's vocals do justice to such tracks as "Blood on the Rooftops", but if you have an open mind, it can be a nice visit to a lost era.
"
Steve Hackett - Give This A Few Listens Before You Judge It
Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 07/09/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hackett's new one had to grow on me a bit. On first listen I was underwhelmed. On second listen I was intrigued. On 3rd listen I was won over and on 4th listen I was hooked. I now think that this ranks right up with some of Steve's strongest work and enjoy every track on it. I find this album has a lot of similarities to earlier works such as "Wild Orchids" or "To Watch The Storms". The music and vocals are often subtle, but pack a mean wallop. Much of this album seems moody with hooks that will stick with you long after you spin the disc. Steve's guitar work is flawless as he turns in some incredible solos on both electric and acoustic instruments. As always Hackett's band consists of to notch musicians, and vocally I find this to be one of his strongest albums as well. Hackett has learned to use his limited vocal range in a way that best suits the music. The addition of a significant amount of harmony leads with other people also helps augment Steve's voice. I can remember years ago not being able to imagine an album where Steve sang all of the lead. He has improved so much over the years that now I can't imagine an album without it. The disc is full of highlights and I don't find any of the tracks weak. There is enough progressive oriented material here to please long time fans, but the album is also modern and diverse in texture enough to highlight just how wide Hackett's musical reach extends. As with many of Hackett releases, this may not reach out and grab you right off the bat, but give it 4 or 5 spins and I think you will find it a fantastic listen. This is clearly one of my top releases of 2010 so far, and I think is one of Hackett's best albums. Five star all the way."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1