Album review: NICK FLETCHER – Cycles Of Behaviour

NICK FLETCHER - Cycles Of Behaviour

[Release date 26.03.21] www.hacktrax.co.uk

Getting a glowing affirmation from none other that Steve Hackett, printed clearly on your album cover, may give a relatively unknown guitarist a definite leg up.

Nick Fletcher is a member of brother John’s band and this is his first solo “fusion” outing. He’s known primarily as a classical guitarist but on this album channels his inner Allan Holdsworth.

It’s all very musical and harmonious, nicely orchestrated throughout, and not all instrumental. With John Hackett performing vocals on three tracks, this makes ‘Cycles Of Behaviour’ even more of a Hackett offshoot than it should be, especially when he also adds the ubiquitous flute.

The long track ‘Philosopher King’ is like David Gilmour c.2006 when ‘On An Island’. Hardly original but no doubt lapsed proggers will lap it up.

When Fletcher sticks with the instrumentals it’s more impressive and on pieces like the title track and ‘Tyrant And Knave’ he receives excellent support from Dave Bainbridge on Hammond organ (and mellotron!). ‘Annexation’ is the only track where the band really rock out but somewhat clipped by a long flute intro. Just get on with it, lads!

This should appeal to followers of the John Hackett Band, but to my ears it’s all a bit too polite and predictable. ***

Review by David Randall

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)