HOLIDAYS IN EDEN

It has come to my attention that never, during the whole time I've spent as a Prog Reviewer or anywhere in the depths of my collaborations regarding MARILLION, I have pointed out some kind of good observation upon HOGARTH's work. It's practically inevitable not to do so, but this time I'm committed to redeem myself somehow and try not to think with my guts as I occasionally do when it comes to the pretty boy from Kendal. Dammit! There I go again. sorry, I just can't help it. Seriously.

Appealing to the comprehensive guidelines established by Prog Archives and to my impartial judgment, I won't categorically deny that this album from the HOGARTH era, is quite a keeper. Maybe the recognition given to the album could've never reached such levels if it weren't for the good name of the band, aspect that disregarding Steve's inconformity, had to remain the same for the sake of the neo progressive band.

Arguably, "Holidays in Eden" is the best piece of work crafted by MARILLION ever since FISH let go the reins of the band to go solo. Perhaps, "Brave" could be good enough to overshadow the achieved on the second album of the second phase of the band, but hardly, we could decide which one is cheesier. I do admit "Holidays in Eden" is a great creation, and regretfully, I'd even say I happen to enjoy it. The lyrics are well written and perfectly intertwined with the musical composition, and far beyond cataloguing the whole thing as a "post-apocalyptical pop nightmare", there are truly exceptional hypnotic passages made out of scraps from the past.

HOGARTH's work on the microphone is quite remarkable, I need to say that apart from this "Holidays in Eden" experience, I never listened to him sing with such devotedness and passion. That's certainly an extra star on my review. The arrangements made to "Cover My Eyes" and "No One Can" are exceptional, almost suitable to avoid them from sounding extremely corny. It would seem to you that I'm softening up, but I specially take my hat off to "Waiting to Happen"; bravely composed and written, one of the most distinguishing ballads of the Hogarth transitional phase.

It isn't quite a challenge to enjoy the album because it's got the complete set of sensitiveness and spontaneity you could ask on an album performed by Steve. Right after "Holidays in Eden", most of the touch and carefulness put by HOGARTH, vanished towards the air, and in return, we can resemble MARILLION's music to anything that pops into the tuner whenever you turn the stereo on. Great album, determinant to tell the good music made by the band from the crap that was to come.