When we last caught up with progressive rock icons Nektar, the band were reestablishing themselves in the wake of founder Roye Albrighton’s passing. The result was 2020’s ambitious, yet enjoyable The Other Side. Unfortunately, in the four years that have passed since that release, there have been even more changes to the Nektar camp, the most devastating of all being the passing of founding drummer Ron Howden. This now leaves bassist Derek “Mo” Moore as the sole survivor of the band’s classic musical lineup (special effects artist Mick Brockett is recognized as a member as well and has been with the band since ’69).
55 years since the band’s initial formation and eager to keep the legacy alive, Moore and company soldiered onward, hellbent on finishing the work they had started on The Other Side‘s follow up. In fact, the band was working out arrangements for this here album less than a week prior to Howden’s passing, so it would almost be a disservice to leave it in limbo. In what might be the ultimate tribute to their fallen brother, Nektar have unveiled the first in a trilogy of new albums, guaranteed to test the mental thresholds of music connoisseurs young and old, Mission to Mars.
Considering Nektar’s crucial role in the development of this early ’70s amalgamation of prog, psych, and one too many acid trips, it’s cool to see them return to their roots, even if strictly spiritually speaking. Mission to Mars isn’t so much a tried and true space rock affair, but rather a 4 song, 32 minute outing that sandwiches everything we love about this band into one otherworldly musical voyage. The opening title track does an excellent job at this, starting out as an upbeat rocker with hard edged riffs and a spirit of jubilation, reminiscent of the band’s Magic Is a Child era, before transforming into a spacey intergalactic jam.
“Long Lost Sunday” is a tad more subdued, psychedelic and mellow in disposition with its retro chorus and far out keys. That said, it’s head trip music executed right, old school in spirit and musically thrilling. Speaking of thrilling pieces, “One Day Hi One Day Lo” serves as the obligatory epic of the affair, blurring the lines between tripped out space rock and epic symphonic prog, a collision of esoteric atmosphere, bombastic textures, and truly gutsy guitar work. At no point do we know where it’s going to turn next, recalling the ancient progressive traditions of old. The acoustic balladry of “I’ll Let You In” serves as a sort of unusual closer, but fits the ’70s mold and showcases yet another side of the multi-dimensional beast that is Nektar.
If there is life on Mars, as Bowie famously pontificated over half a century ago, they’ll be more than thrilled to know there is a new Nektar album making its way around this universe and beyond in 2024. I commend Moore and his fellow exemplary musicians for keeping celestial flame that is Nektar lit for future generations to indulge in. Indeed, the “King of Twilight” still rules over his prog rock dominion. Hail to thee!
7 out of 10
Label: Deko Music
Genre: Progressive Rock
For fans of: Hawkwind, Eloy, Yes