Band: Squackett
Release: A Life Within A Day (Album)
Release Date: Out Now
Squackett is the recent musical project that features Yes’ Chris Squire and ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett. The two have worked together before on numerous occasions. Squire has lent his bass skills to several tracks on Hackett‘s past two solo albums. Though, the combination of their names isn’t the only clever aspect of this group and their philosophical-sounding debut ‘A Life Within A Day’.
The nine-track record has its obvious influence of 70s progressive rock, seeing as that is the genre that made them known in the first place. But while this style remains a dominant present throughout, there’s enough class in their musical talents to make it not sound dated 40 or so years on. Though if someone had told me this was released in the 70s, it would have been believable.
From epic title track and opener, ‘A Life Within A Day’, it’s apparent that the album is going to be hearty and ambitious. Its gloomy rhythm and pacy crescendo section to end makes it rock musical-worthy. ‘Divided Self’ contains some nifty guitar work from Hackett and the singable chorus, “Decided, United, Derided, Divided” makes it have a rock/pop feel. The same goes for the riffs in ‘Sea of Smiles’. It bears resemblance to the conventional make up of a classic prog rock track. A foot-tapping and memorable chorus sets it for an imaginable stadium anthem.
An even bigger chorus is attempted in ‘Stormchaser’. While a big bass, beat and whammy bar/effect ridden influence set it for a bold execution, the few words involved sound flat and overpowered by the background. This would have had a lot more impact as an instrumental interlude. ‘Tall Ships’ is another worthy track, with its sparkling dash of ambience to end. ‘Aliens’ brings a pondering lyric, “Aliens are only us from the future”. The intellectual comment rings over in scattered places for five minutes. Though, a few tracks just sound a bit dull in comparison. ‘Can’t Stop The Rain’ and ‘The Summer Backwards’ are a little samey with low enthusiasm.
‘A Life Within a Day’ holds a reminiscent tone, with a sizeable variation of songs. As a one-off record it’s a good effort, but a second album may be just too much of a throwback.
7/10
Reviewer: Hayley Fox
