Nektar - Other Side

Deluxe CD + NTSC/Region 0 DVD edition. 2021 album from the prog rock band. Throughout the 1970s, Nektar released a series of acclaimed albums, scoring chart success in Germany (where the British band was based) and later in the USA (where the band relocated). Following the passing of original guitarist/vocalist Roye Albrighton in 2016, fellow founder members Derek "Mo" Moore (bass, vocals), Ron Howden (drums, vocals) and Mick Brockett (lyrics, visual concepts) reunited, along with Randy Dembo (bass, 12-string guitar), Ryche Chlanda (guitar, vocals) and Kendall Scott (keyboards) to record this album. Chlanda originally recorded with Nektar in 1978, and for The Other Side, the band updated some of those ideas which evolved in the basement of Moore's house in New Jersey with Ron Howden. The 1978 unrecorded song 'Skypilot' has evolved into 'Skywriter' in 2019. 'I'm On Fire' is the musical adaptation of a poem written by Mo for his soon-to-be wife, Nicki, during that same time period. The closing track, 'Devil's Door', was originally performed live in 1974, but never featured on a Nektar album. Updated and recorded for this album, the song features the presence of the late Roye Albrighton on the introduction to the track, whose wonderful guitar part was taken from a live soundboard recording made in 1974. Kendall Scott's distinctive and versatile keyboard presence has enhanced this considerably, while Randy Dembo, who originally joined Nektar in 2004, brings the sound together with 12-string and bass guitars, rounding out the instrumental arrangements. Ron Howden has been a continual driving force of the band, weathering all versions of Nektar since it's conception in 1969. The Other Side is a stunning album from a legendary band.