MARILLION.COM

A fun mixture of up-beat, intelligent pop(ish) songs with fine performances from all members. "Marillion.com" is a vast improvement over "Radiation" while building on a similar formula of artistic accessibility. The band's playing and expression on this release renews enthusiasm after their last two mediocre efforts and sets the stage of things to come.

While songs like "Legacy", "Deserve", and "Rich" are examples of the group's mature sensibilities on writing songs that are easy to like, their playing on the songs "Go!", and the dynamic extended track "Interior Lulu" show them living up to their reputation as emotive movers and expressionists in the rock world. "Lulu" steals the show, and although it sounds very out of place next to the sing-alongs in most of the album, it is one of the band's finest songs with some monstrous instrumental and vocal moments. I also enjoy the jazzy "House" for its atmospheric and soulful melodies.

All in all a fun and artsy return to form.

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