FUGAZI

More focused and dynamic than its predecessor, with Ian Mosley adding a much needed tightening-up of the band's playing. Here we see the still fledgling group furthering the development of the types of songs found in "Script", albeit with more tender and quite sections dispersed throughout. Fish's lyrics retain their earnest, entirely depressing themes while his vocals demonstrate a bit more range than seen on their previous album. Kelly's keyboard is used with much more variety and feels like a more incorporated instrument.

As a whole the songs are good, and while the band is probably playing better here than on "Script", the songs don't hit home quite as hard, or leave as lasting an impression. So, while it may be better, it isn't quite as necessary a purchase save by fans discovering early Marillion through their more well-known albums.

Songwriting: 4 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 3