Subtle, rich, melancholic paths are explored throughout 5.20, a stark and beautiful album. Engulfed in acoustic guitar and piano, the music is reminiscent of early White Willow, Storm Corrosion, and some of Genesis’ quieter moments. The music is augmented with saxophone, violin, and more percussion than actual drumming. The opening “Colorblind” employs a saxophone to add color, but the acoustic guitar is what really draws me in here, and throughout. Guitar Maestro Steve Hackett provides his sonic flair to “Wilderness” over a bed of acoustic guitar. You might as well make it a family affair, welcome brother John Hackett and his flute during “The Old Man In The Snow”, the outro brings to mind the Genesis’ song “Entangled”. There are a few instrumentals sprinkled throughout, and I enjoyed just listening and focusing on the music, space, and atmosphere. Damien Wilson also guests on vocals during “Porcelain Hill”. The more I listened, the more I enjoyed 5.20; it seems to reveal something new with each listen. I will be saving this one for those long dark winter nights by the fire.
Track List:
1. Colourblind
2. Wilderness (feat. Steve Hackett)
3. Beauty of Decay
4. Golden Drops
5. Above the Tide
6. Dear Mind
7. The Old Man in the Snow (feat. John Hackett)
8. Godless Land
9. Porcelain Hill (feat. Damian Wilson)
10. Achristas
11. Smiling Stars