MADE AGAIN

It did make sense that after releasing four studio albums: "Seasons End", "Holidays in Eden", "Brave" and "Afraid of Sunlight" the band's Hogarth era released a full fledge official live album. By this time the band has gathered enough material for a live show featuring Hogarth as front man. I purchased this album long time ago and was not really interested to spin the CD; unlike the La Gazza Ladra - Fish-era live album. But, after I have seen the Hogarth performance in From Stroke Row To Ipanema DVD, my appreciation about this album changed significantly. I found a lot of enjoyment listening to this double CD album. First, I can hear the styles of marillion's original members: Steve Rothery (guitar), Mark Kelly (keyboards), Pete Trewavas (bass) and Ian Mosley (drums) work together in a new musical format. I still find the strong character for each member in their styles even though the music is different now. Second, I venture into a new journey of accepting whatever the new frontman, Steve Hogarth, delivers in this album. As you might see in my review about From Stroke Row To Ipanema DVD in this site, I think he has his own unique singing style which is suitable with this new format of Marillion music.

Most of tracks featured here are performed more dynamically than the original studio version even though there are not much change in terms of arrangements and styles. "Splintering Heart" (6:33) kicks off the CD lively, delivering musical stream that is enjoyable for most rock fans. It continues with the band's hit from Seasons End album: "Easter". Again, even though this track is not energetic, but it's still good to listen to the live version. The next three tracks are poppy stuff that I don't quite favor: "No one can" (4:44), "Waiting to happen" (5:09) and "Cover my eyes" (4:06). But the next track is excellent: "The space..." (6:35) . "Hooks in you" (3:02) is the band's answer to Van Halen because it's rocking. "Beautiful" (5:35) is an excellent track performed flawlessly. The band also performs two Fish-era tracks: "Kayleigh" (4:04) and "Lavender" (4:20). Hogarth sings with his own style and does not put an effort to emulate Fish. It's good. This live album also features the band's concept album "Brave" in its entirety. Being a live record, this album has lost some sound details that are really good to hear from the studio version. However., it does not disturb the overall beauty of "Brave". I believe those who enjoy "Brave" would love this live version.

Overall it's a good and enjoyable album even though there are some poppy stuffs that should not be performed. Even though the sonic quality is not excellent but I still consider that it's acceptable - being a live album. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW