GTR were that pretty sparse commodity in the late eighties - "a melodic rock superband". They brought together the two S's and H's - Steve Howe and Steve Hackett who between them over the years had carved up their own particular niche in the world of prog rock. Howe, of course, still gigs with Yes and was for a time in Asia, whilst Hackett is the second Genesis guitarist and responsible for some of that band's classic output in the early seventies.

This rare 1986 concert was broadcast on the American radio show 'King Biscuit Flower Hour'. GTR didn't last long so this serves as an excellent summary of their live performance. The inevitable songs off their debut album are bolstered by some judicious references to the guitar heroes' collective past: there are excellent if pared down versions of 'Spectral Mornings' and 'Roundabout'.

GTR were a good band, suitably airbrushed for American consumption. Whilst their melodic rock smacks a bit of Styx-cum-Kansas-into-Foreigner, the guitar heroism on offer is enough to make it interesting. Standout tracks here include Geoff Downes' composition 'The Hunter' and the catchy first single 'When The Heart Rules The Mind'.

The Hunter
© 2003 King Biscuit Flower Hour Records. All rights reserved.

****

Review by David Randall