VIGIL IN A WILDERNESS OF MIRRORS

After Fish left Marillion, he started a solo career. What I find funny about that is the fact that many people who've never heard of Marillion (or even Prog) have heard of Fish. I'm not sure why that is. A co-worker of mine even recommended Fish to me after I showed him Big Big Train, though the connection there is a little hazy.

Anyways, this first solo album from Fish is downright enjoyable to hear. The music is neo- prog-ish, but I think plenty of symphonic elements make their way into the music. The choruses are usually very upbeat and catchy, and you almost get a big band feeling once in a while. There is some great saxophone which I really appreciated, some soothing synth, and (most of all) the amazingly smooth vocals from Fish. Indeed, there is definitely a jazz influence on the entire album. I say this album is enjoyable because that seems to be the best description: It pleasing to the ears, somewhat thought-provoking, and also very relaxing to hear. In other words, there are no hard rock moments here. This is an album you pop in the cd player, and then just sit back and enjoy. No headbanging necessary.

The theme is pretty standard, I must admit. We get to hear about the evils of TV, spousal abuse, war, etc. It seems to be covering all these different cages in which we as humans put ourselves. It is a little scary, especially "The Family Business". Spousal abuse is no joke. No real man would ever hit a woman. While the theme is pretty serious, I do find the lyrics somewhat cheesy. I mean, it would definitely be really difficult to write a non-cheesy song about TV. I understand that. But sometimes Fish just goes for it all regardless of the Velveeta.

"Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors" is a great album that I enjoy very much. The music is sublime as are the vox and thematic content. There just happens to be a sprinkling of cheese on top that keeps this strong 4-star album from obtaining a 5-star rating from me.