Nektar is one of those bands that have always intrigued me, but not always enthralled me. Having released their first album in 1971 (Journey to the Centre of the Eye), they hit their commercial peak two years later with the celebrated Remember the Future. That is the album which brought the band to my attention, and I followed them on and off over the years, through one line-up change after another. When guitarist/vocalist Roye Albrighton passed in 2016, I supposed that was the end of the band. However, drummer Ron Howden recruited original bass player Derek “Mo” Moore in 2018 to form a new US-based version of the band. Guitarist Ryche Chlanda (Fireballet, Flying Dreams) and keyboardist Kendall Scott (Project/Object, Flying Dreams) joined long-time non-instrumental member Jay Petsko (lights and projections) to round out the newest edition of the band. In 2020 they released The Other Side, which, while not exactly a return to form, it was a darn good effort. Since then, the band have consistently toured the US and worked on new music. Just as they were beginning to arrange music for the new album, drummer Howden passed away. Jay Dittamo was brought on board to replace Howden and makes his first recorded appearance with the band on their new effort, Mission To Mars.
MissionTo Mars is comprised of four songs running from four to ten minutes, so the album as a whole is under thirty-three minutes total. As with the majority of the Nektar catalogue, the band covers a lot of ground musically. The end result for my money is a rock album with a prog veneer. If you’re looking for twisty time signatures and lyrics about alien interventions in mankind, look elsewhere. In fact, the opening title track, Mission To Mars, sums up the proceedings pretty nicely. My first impression was that I was listening to a Foghat album; solid, chugging rhythms, lyrics exhorting the listener to “Celebrate, scream and shout/Find yourself, let it out”, jubilant but elemental rock and roll. The only hint of prog for the first few minutes is the prominent bass line. Even Kendall Scott’s Hammond solo has a boogie/blues feel to it. It isn’t till the midpoint of the song where the vocals drop out and the band rides an extended instrumental that things get really fun. Scott’s piano and synths take the song beyond blues rock tropes. Rhyche Chlanda does a fine job stomping his wah wah pedal into submission and the chord structure escapes the confines of corporate rock to say something interesting. There are several changes in tone and attitude that bring the song to a more satisfying conclusion.
Long Lost Sunday begins promisingly enough with guitar and keys leading the charge. In fact, Scott’s synths are the star of the show. Chlanda’s voice has a pleasant rasp which lends it a lived-in feel, but it’s not enough to rescue the forgettable lyrics. Melodically, the vocal lines are actually catchy and travel to some unexpected places. Yet, as before, it’s only when the vocals drop out and the instrumentalists take over that this begins to feel like a prog band. Giving credit where credit is due, the most impressive aspect of these songs is that they never feel as if they have overstayed their welcome. It just feels like something better is percolating beneath the surface without ever quite breaking through.
Beautifully rendered orchestral synths introduce One Day Hi, One Day Lo. This finally feels like what we’ve been waiting for. When the bass and drums kick in, it is with a sense of command and power. Even the lyrics and melodies rise to the occasion, evoking the feel of prime Nektar. Chlanda’s guitar parts are equal parts razor sharp and Byrds-ian jangle. Break out the headphones and listen to the song for the nuances and the fun stereo gimmickry. Moore and new drummer Dittamo lock into a groove and ride it for all its worth. I do wish that the layered vocal parts had been expanded upon; they are that good.
The closing song, I’ll Let You In, begins with an acoustic guitar and vocal notable for their sense of presence. The recording makes it feel as if Chlanda is sitting on your sofa opposite you in your living room. The entrance of acoustic piano heightens the feeling and the singer-songwriter vibe. When the full band enter, the song ratchets up the emotional quotient. Chlanda’s simple guitar solo is perfect for the song, understated and elegant. The song builds in power until the final moments, ending as it began, simply and quietly.
The latest iteration of Nektar shows that the band still have something to say. They may not be walking the high wire any longer, but they are still willing to take some chances, give the occasional thrill, and provide a bit of bang for the buck. When other bands their age are resting on their laurels, its great to see the some of the old guard burning out rather than fading away.
TRACK LISTING
01. Mission To Mars (8:56)
02. Long Lost Sunday (7:11)
03. One Day Hi One Day Lo (10:11)
04. I’ll Let You In (6:04)
Total Time – 32:22
MUSICIANS
Derek “Mo” Moore – Bass, Vocals
Ryche Chlanda – Guitar, Vocals
Kendall Scott – Keyboards, Vocals
Jay Dittamo – Drums
Jay Petsko – Visual Environment
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Deko Entertainment
Country of Origin: U.S.A.
Date of Release: 30th August 2024
LINKS
Nektar – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp
