It is with delight that I can review this album, although an unlikely pairing with Moodi Drury and John Hackett this team work so well especially within the confines of this album.

Its hard to believe it but John and Moodi seem to have struck a rather contemporary chord with an album packed full of ambient soundscapes every song seems to take you on a journey but in a rather passive way.

Although this is a true album of the kitchen sink variety in that I mean it is packed with samples which are placed tastefully at the right moments, John of course is in every song with his flute which makes for an unusual if not unique exercise it adds a rather human element to a rather electronica outing.

Moodi and John have employed a whole gamut of effects which help take you the listener along to serene and chilled out areas.

Tracklist

1. Worlds Within Worlds
2. Acceptance
3. Life’s a Ridiculous Solo
4. The Thirty Nine Steps
5. Sweet Leaf
6. Open Promise
7. Big Love
8. Follow Bliss
9. Fear the Feeling and Don’t Do It, No Way!
10. This Serene Earth
11. Bohemian Attraction
12. Red Planet Rhythm
13. Free at Last (Ascension Remix)

It was explained to me during an interview with John and Moodi some of the inspirations for the album I believe The Thirty Nine Steps is a reference to the fact that Moodi had a 39th Birthday and sort of reflected on his life hence an almost introspective journey.

Moodi is into improvisation and it shows here within some of the songs, but that’s a good thing.

I really like Red Planet Rhythm there are no highlights within the album because the whole album is a highlight, although it is quite far removed from the areas musically that John normally frequents and that it was a surprise to learn that he had been involved in such a project. John normally is involved either in classical or orchestral projects with the occasional adventure in the field of rock or progressive rock with or without his brother (Steve) as John demonstrated quite well with his 2005 album Checking Out Of London.

I would have expected to have heard this album being played in the ambient scene inside the green room that some clubs have or for the tracks to have been remixed by someone like Armin Van Buuren, I would also expect to hear strains of the album on a clothes or fashion show.

I would recommend this album to anyone who knows what the ambient genre is about as it is a great example of what that genre can offer the listener.

For further information about John Hackett please visit www.hacktrax.co.uk