Somewhere Else - Marillion Album Review

Marillion

Album Review

Formed in Buckinghamshire and originally named after Tolkien’s novel Silmarillion, they reached their peak of popularity in the 80s as Marillion. They were part of the second generation of Prog Rock in the 80s, who became known for their dramatic Art-Rock presentations on disc and in concert, then led by Scottish singer Derek William Dick aka Fish, who left the band in 1988. As they carried the Prog torch, they were often compared to Genesis because Fish emulated ex-Genesis frontman Peter Gabriel, by wearing face paint. Marillion had some impressive commercial singles including Kayleigh, Lavender (both 1985) and Incommunicado (1987). Thereafter, they never reached the Top Ten, though singles continued to roll out, along with regular albums, only one hitting the top spot – Misplaced Childhood in 1985. Fish was replaced by Steve Hogarth in 1988 and remains their frontman and co-writer.

Opening with a flourish and gusto, The Other Half, floats at a steady pace rising into soaring guitar solos as the keys provide the ambient background eventually dropping down to tinkling ivories. Again a flourish introduces See It Like A

Baby with Hogarth’s vocals getting plenty of reverb as it ambles into a lightweight beat which precursors more, solos by Rothery. These two, are ok, but fail to impress at any level. A lifeless Thank You Whoever….. follows, and again doesn’t impress, as hard as they try. Crunching Most Toys raises the pulses, but is anothing track. For most of the way, and end, No Such Thing, sounds more like some kind of filler. Stadium rocker The Wound, drops and rises with equal power, but, again has no real purpose.

At long last, something to behold – a ballad, The Last Century For Man is simply stunning which sways neatly, though Hogarth’s vocals occasionally sound uncertain. Closing on an acoustic rambler, Faith, it seals a soulless effort, despite Hogarth’s sweet singing.

Marillion need to go back to the drawing board, because, finding something really inspirational is none –existent. Bring back some pomp, for goodness sake.

One of the dullest albums I’ve ever encountered.

Elly Roberts