Nick Fletcher is the lead guitarist for John Hackett’s band. Yes, “Brother John” of Lamb Lies Down on Broadway fame. Having grown up with one of the greatest lead guitarists in the world, Genesis’ Steve Hackett, John knew just who to choose for the role. And now, Nick Fletcher is preparing to release his latest masterpiece The Cloud of Unknowing on September 2.
If you are expecting simply magnificent progressive rock guitar, yes there is that. But I bet you weren’t expecting jazz fusion, sounding like Steely Dan. That is the wonderful sound that greets you on the “The Eyes of Persephone”. (Hey, that even sounds a little like a Steely Dan song title, ha, ha). Wonderful keyboard innovations fill this track and others.
Nick Fletcher, plays all electric, acoustic, and slide guitars. Caroline Bonnett, plays keyboards and sequencers, and sings backing vocals. The famous, Dave Bainbridge, plays Hammond organ, on “Out of the Maelstrom”, piano, on “The Eyes of Persephone”, and synth, on “The Paradox Parts 1 and 2”. Russ Wilson, plays drums. Tim Harries, plays fretted and fretless bass. And Stuart Barbour, sings vocals on “The Cloud of Unknowing Parts 1, 2, and 3”, and “The Paradox Parts 1 and 2”.
Nick describes the concept behind The Cloud of Unknowing, as, “The album came out of lockdown and my own search to find meaning and purpose in my life as a result of that time”. It was a difficult time for the world and the world is still adjusting to the changes that occurred because of the global pandemic. Nick has captured that journey of renewal, that many of us undertook during those trying times, and that continue on to the present. Nick took comfort in reading from authors of the past, including, St. John of the Cross, who wrote extensively, during dark times, creating poetry and writings on the development of the soul. His writings are considered amongst the greatest works of all Spanish literature. Nick dove into the literature of the past, during the turbulent times of the Reformation, in search of guidance, through the ravages of a global pandemic.
The result is wonderful creations of sound and energy that will lift you beyond your normal daily functions and provide inspiration for your activities throughout the day, while you listen.
The opening track, “Out of the Maelstrom”, opens with epic synths and keyboards, that fade, just before a waterfall of Dream Theater – like guitar comes roaring at you, like a river possessed. Nick, then tailors a symphonic guitar extravaganza to complement the pounding drums, deep bass and constant keyboards, that help keep and alternate the music’s pace. Well – launched and ready to pursue more innovation!
“The Eyes of Persephone”, opens with beautiful electric guitar and keys, not unlike some of the sounds you might be familiar with from some of Steve Hackett’s jazzier albums, and the progressive ones, with the beautiful morning openings; (if you know what I mean). Then, he goes full on jazz fusion, and you can hear Aja in the air. Yes, the bell-like keys and the perfectly timed drum stops and all that made Aja one of ‘The Dan’s best albums ever recorded. If you are a fan of the band, you may be able to pick out some salutes to other wonderful tracks from their discography, throughout the piece. Dave Bainbridge’s beautiful piano is simply the perfect added cream on the pie. When all the world seems down, reach for the Steely Dan, to get you out of the doldrums. Sounds like Nick did.
The rest of the album is made up of the wonderful “Scenes from the Subconscious Mind Suite”. It is a magnificent opus of magical guitar work that is some of the best of the year, so far.
Just sit back and listen to the crowded streets and chaos at the opening; as heavy pumping electric guitar chords roar in to take the stage and drive the momentum on the opening of this opus, “We Need to Leave this Place… Right Now!” Yes, indeed.
The pace continues as we jump, into “Pandemonium”, a driven and relentless masterpiece of electric guitar work, whose pace does not decelerate until halfway through the over 5-minute track. Catch your breath, because the pace picks up again, and off we go!
“The Cloud of Unknowing”, Parts 1,2, and 3”, opens with giant bells, like Big Ben, sounding aloud in London; and Steve Hackett-like guitar surrounded by deep, mind mesmerizing keys. It sounds like some of those morning sounds Steve creates so beautifully on guitar, just like the break of day. Then what almost sounds like Gregorian chants fill the air. As Greg Lake said in “Karn Evil 9”, “Get into That!” Yes, this song is full of mystery and mysticism. Stuart Barbour sings, “I search for softness in my dreams of others, of a different view. Seasons go by against the vaulted sky. Night turns to day as everything decays. Still, I have hope at the end of my rope”. Trying to find hope in a world gripped by darkness. That is exactly what many of us were, and are still trying to do. Six minutes in, Nick takes over and plays some inspired and innovative electric guitar solos, while Caroline Bonnett supports with wonderful keyboard inspirations.
“Awakening the Hydra”, is what you might expect when you awaken such a terrible beast. Lots of nasty sounds and sound effects, before eerie keyboards and elegant electric guitar build the epic soundscape. Like a Steve Hackett guitar wonder.
What follows is the “Dance of the Hydra”. Since it was awakened, it wants to dance, like Covid, all over your life. Good analogy – Covid to a ruthless Hydra. A hard rock electric guitar masterpiece for 2022, brilliantly supported with innovative keyboards, bass and drums. Heavier and more electric, than most of the album. Not metal, but definitely hard rock.
“Arcadia”, is more of a pondering electric guitar, with acoustic guitar added for flavor. The wind-like keyboard ‘breeze’, ‘blowing’ around the guitar play is simply wonderful. This sounds similar, but not the same as some of Steve Hackett’s solo and Genesis’ work. Absolutely beautiful. Like a “Horizons” for the 2022 era.
The closer, “The Paradox”, Parts 1 and 2”, opens with Stuart Barbour singing again, “Everything has changed. Nothing ever stays the same. The seas will turn to rain. And I will pass away. Finding a reason to survive”. It is like a trip back in time to Spectral Mornings or Please Don’t Touch! only instead of Steve Walsh, Stuart Barbour is singing. The music sounds similar, but with updated sounds and inspiration from current times. The orchestration and keyboards are brilliant. The electric guitar work is amazing and innovative, different from the norm. Great advice from Barbour’s singing near the end, of the track.
I am so happy to have had an opportunity to review this prolific work of art. I am definitely now a fan of Nick Fletcher and will look for the rest of his new recordings into the future. Please give yourself the pleasure of listening to this well-known guitarist and musician throughout Europe. You will not be dismayed. You may learn something important about coping during troubled times. One thing is for certain; you will get every thin nickel of your money’s worth on The Cloud of Unknowing. Not a wasted moment.Every sound brilliantly and beautifully arranged. Do not miss this one.
Track List
1. Out of the Maelstrom
2. The Eyes of Persephone
Scenes from the Subconscious Mind Suite:
3. We need to leave this place… right now!
4. Pandemonium
5. The Cloud of Unknowing Parts 1, 2, and 3
6. Awakening the Hydra
7. Dance of the Hydra
8. Arcadia
9. The Paradox Parts 1 and 2
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