The Other Side (Nektar album)

Last updated

The Other Side
Nektar-TheOtherSide.jpg
Studio album by
Released24 January 2020
Genre Progressive rock
Length66:06
Label Esoteric Antenna
Nektar chronology
Time Machine
(2013)
The Other Side
(2020)
Mission to Mars
(2024)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svg [1]

The Other Side is the fourteenth album by progressive rock band Nektar, released in 2020. It was the first studio album since 1977's Magic Is a Child to feature original bassist Derek "Mo" Moore. It also features the return of Mick Brockett on special effects, Randy Dembo on rhythm guitar, and Ryche Chlanda on lead guitar. Dembo had previously appeared on Evolution and Chlanda had briefly played with the band in 1978. It is also the last studio album by longtime drummer Ron Howden who died on September 29, 2023.

Contents

Several tracks such as "Skywriter" (formerly "Skypilot") and "Devil's Door" are reworked from unreleased demos. "I'm on Fire" was written as poem by Moore for his soon-to-be wife in 1978. [2] The original "Devil's Door" can be found on the Live Anthology 1974 − 1976 boxset. Roye Albrighton's guitar playing is included as the introduction to the 2020 version. [3] "Drifting" was recorded in one take with vocal lines and keyboards added later. It features several time signature changes, moving from 9
8
and 5
4
to 4
4
. [4]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Nektar, exceptions as noted.

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."I'm on Fire"Derek "Mo" Moore8:32
2."Skywriter" 7:52
3."Love Is/The Other Side" 17:57
4."Drifting" 9:11
5."Devil's Door"Roye Albrighton8:11
6."The Light Beyond" 2:51
7."Look Thru Me" 5:02
8."Y Can't I B More Like U (2020)" 6:32

Personnel

Additional personnel

Charts

Chart (2020)Peak
position
UK Progressive Albums (OCC) [5] 26

References

  1. "Nektar - The Other Side (Album Review)". Discogs.com. 21 January 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  2. "Prog Legends Nektar Return With Stunning New Studio Album "The Other Side"". Progreport.com. 21 January 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  3. "Nektar – Live Anthology 1974 - 1976". Discogs.com. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  4. "Prog Giants Nektar Remember The Future from The Other Side". Soundandvision.com. 26 March 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2023.
  5. "Official Progressive Albums Chart Top 30". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 21, 2025.