MURDER MACHINES

Marillion is one of my favorite prog bands in the recent decades. Their music has so much heart and soul to it, and they revitalized progressive rock for a younger generation, which includes your's truly. I heard all of their albums, with the only exception being the new one coming out soon. With a new album, there is of course new songs, which might mean new singles to digest. One such single ended up being Murder Machines, and it is a very great Marillion song.

The song is a very beautiful piece. It has a certain aura about it, with great instrumentation. It has a bit more of a pop styling and progression to it, though that isn't particularly a negative, it is just a bit more simple in how it flows. Though if I would, I will say Steve's vocal performances isn't really the greatest. It doesn't feel as passionate as his performances on tracks like Ocean Cloud or The Great Escape, still fine just doesn't really do as well as his other works.

Overall, great single, just needs a bit more passion on the vocals. Cannot wait for the new album.

I have to admit that I have been missing most of what latter day Marillion has recorded. I got tired of waiting for them to go back to either progressive music or, at least, good melodies. It seemed that they wanted to avoid anything that is a little straight and/or melodic (for more than two minutes). So I was quite surprised when I heard about their newest single and decided to give it a shot - for the good times - and find out that it is one of their best. It is simple, it is short, poignant and vey, very good. The theme deals with the Covid-19 virus, but still the lyrics are subtle and broad enough to have other interpretations and certainly it will not date with time. Steve Hogarths interpretation is full of passion and moving, the melody is beautiful and the band put on a fantastic unobtrusive performance that only enhance its power. It is the best single song I heard so far this year.

Of note: I also heard Be Hard On Yourself, another track from their upcoming album An Hour Before it´s Dark. It is a very strong tune too. If all the material on the new CD is as good as those two then maybe we´re about to see Hogaths era Marillion finest hour. Let´s wait and see. For now I´m glad they have done such a formidable song as Murder Machines.

Rating: 4,5 stars.