Album review: STEVE HACKETT & STEVE ROTHERY – The Roaring Waves

August 28th, 2026 by GRTR! HQ

STEVE HACKETT & STEVE ROTHERY - The Roaring Waves

Inside Out Music [Release date 28.08.26]

Some years ago when I saw Steve Rothery’s band his second guitarist Dave Foster was providing support. Halfway through that set there came a guitar sound that was fashioned in the Lap of the Gods. But it wasn’t Foster, it was Rothery appearing from the sidelines. It emphasised the difference between Good and Greatness. At the time Rothery was still promoting his first solo venture ‘The Ghosts Of Pripyat’, an album that has become something of a yardstick for instrumental prog (at least for this reviewer).

By way of contrast, the collaboration with Steve Hackett is a true Clash of the Titans: both at the top of their game and both premier torchbearers for progressive rock guitar.

It’s not clear from the minimal credits (vinyl version) who has composed what, and it would be interesting to hear how they collaborated: whether remotely or side by side (or maybe both). I assume that they shared the writing duties on each piece. The project has taken several years to achieve fruition and now available in limited coloured vinyl and handsome mediabook format (with the ubiquitous 5.1 mix).

Like the sea which inspires the content, this album is one to immerse yourself in and let wash over in equal measure. It will appeal of course to fans of both players but I have to say there is a little more Hackett in the mix and with that his stylistic idiosyncrasies. Maybe Rothery was simply in awe of a guitarist he had admired in Genesis before forming Marillion.

The album ebbs and flows but only truly releases the shackles on the title track, which is bookended by Hackett’s acoustic guitar, and again on ‘K-129′ (referring to a Russian submarine that sank in the late-1960s).

Both players are capable of sumptuous melody and motifs and these are present, but not throughout, and the only mild “wig-out” is the somewhat incongruous ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ which also features Hackett’s harp.

I wonder whether guitarists actually need a damn good keyboard player helping with the composition, arrangements and inspiration, this album meanders at times. Although Riccardo Romano does a fine supportive role here (a co-writer and also jointly responsible for the technical execution) you can’t help thinking Rothery is lifted by a Mark Kelly and similarly Hackett by a Roger King. Just like Akkerman with Van Leer and Gilmour with Rick Wright. ‘Marooned’ anyone?

It’s a slightly different animal to ‘Pripyat’ (which also features Hackett on two tracks) and is a welcome diversion from the guitarists’ respective day jobs. To these ears it’s all a bit too pedestrian and polite, atmosphere rather than action. But like the tide, I am sure it will keep coming back and reveal more hidden depths for the earnest listener. ***1/2

Review by David Randall

The GRTR! Grotto of Greatness
Steve Hackett
Marillion (Steve Rothery)

Album review (The Ghosts of Pripyat, 2023)

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