Peter Hammill – A Headlong Stretch: The Fie! Years 1992–1996 (Esoteric Recordings) Review
There are some artists whose music finds you immediately, and others whose music waits patiently until you’re ready.
For me, Peter Hammill belonged firmly in that second category.
In the 1970s, my progressive rock universe had comfortable boundaries. There was the melodic grandeur of Yes and Genesis, then perhaps a venture towards King Crimson and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Beyond that lay Gentle Giant. And somewhere even further out, on the distant horizon of adventurous music, stood Van der Graaf Generator and Peter Hammill. It took me decades before the penny finally dropped. Once it did, an extraordinary catalogue opened up before me.
That journey makes Esoteric Recordings’ latest Peter Hammill box set particularly fascinating.
A Headlong Stretch: The Fie! Years 1992–1996 collects four albums from a crucial period in Hammill’s solo career: Fireships (1992), The Noise (1993), Roaring Forties (1994), and X My Heart (1996). Released on his own Fie! label, these albums capture an artist embracing complete independence while continuing to push his creativity in new directions.
As we’ve come to expect from Esoteric, this isn’t simply a collection of CDs in a box.
The presentation is excellent, with replica album sleeves, a substantial booklet filled with contemporary photographs, detailed credits, and, most importantly, extensive notes from Peter Hammill himself. His reflections on the songs, recording process, and personal circumstances surrounding these albums provide an invaluable insight into this chapter of his career. The inclusion of complete lyrics for every album adds even more value.
One thing that continually impresses me about Peter Hammill archive releases is the level of artist involvement. Whether it’s a Van der Graaf Generator release or one of his solo projects, Hammill always seems deeply engaged in preserving and contextualising his work. That personal touch makes all the difference.
The set has also been newly remastered by Ben Wiseman, and the results are excellent. These recordings sound warm, detailed and wonderfully alive.
The Accessible Side of Peter Hammill?
This might sound like an unusual statement to long-time fans, but I honestly think these could be among Peter Hammill’s most accessible albums.
Perhaps that’s because I’ve spent years immersing myself in Van der Graaf Generator and Hammill’s earlier solo work. Or perhaps these records genuinely offer a slightly more welcoming entry point into his world. Either way, I found them deeply rewarding.
Fireships (1992)
The biggest revelation for me was Fireships.
It’s a remarkably gentle and atmospheric album, often carrying an almost ambient quality. The intensity and emotional depth that define Hammill’s work remain intact, but they’re presented through a softer, more reflective lens. It’s a beautiful album that reveals more of itself with every listen.
The Noise (1993)
Given the title, I expected something more confrontational.
Instead, The Noise offers surprising variety, incorporating blues, soul and rock influences while maintaining Hammill’s unique musical identity. Tracks such as “Planet Coventry” demonstrate his ability to create music that is both intellectually engaging and emotionally direct.
Roaring Forties (1994)
If you enjoy Hammill’s more expansive compositions, Roaring Forties delivers.
The album includes one of those lengthy, ambitious pieces that fans of Hammill and Van der Graaf Generator will instantly recognise. Yet despite the complexity, the music never feels self-indulgent. Each listen uncovers fresh details, new textures and deeper emotional connections.
X My Heart (1996)
Completing the set is X My Heart, another thoughtful and deeply affecting collection. By this stage, Hammill sounds completely comfortable following his own artistic instincts, unconcerned by trends or commercial expectations. The result is an album full of character, intelligence and emotional honesty.
An Important Chapter in the Story
What makes this box set particularly significant is its place within the wider Peter Hammill narrative.
These albums represent the beginning of a fully independent phase of his career. As Hammill notes in the booklet, these records formed the foundation of a new creative path, one that would lead into further solo explorations before the eventual return of Van der Graaf Generator.
For established fans, this set provides a beautifully presented and remastered look at an often overlooked era. For those still discovering Peter Hammill, it may prove to be one of the most inviting entry points into his remarkable catalogue.
A Headlong Stretch: The Fie! Years 1992–1996 is exactly the sort of archive release that collectors hope for.
The music is superb, the remastering enhances without overwhelming, and the booklet provides genuine insight rather than simply acting as packaging filler. Most importantly, it captures an artist continuing to evolve, experiment and challenge both himself and his audience.
For anyone interested in Peter Hammill’s solo work, this set is highly recommended.
And if, like me, it took you a while to fully appreciate Peter Hammill’s genius, these four albums may well accelerate that journey.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
