FUGAZI

"Fugazi" is the 2nd full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Marillion. The album was recorded between November 1983 and February 1984 and released through EMI Records in March 1984. It´s the successor to "Script For A Jester's Tear" from 1983, which was a successful release for the band. There´s been one lineup change since the predecessor as drummer Mick Pointer was fired and initially replaced by American drummer Jonathan Mover. The latter was soon fired too though as he had a falling out with lead vocalist Fish, although he did manage to play live with Marillion on some German dates. Mover was finally replaced by Ian Mosley, who recorded the drums on "Fugazi".

"Fugazi" was produced by Nick Tauber, who had also produced "Script For A Jester's Tear (1983)". The recording process was long and complicated, as EMI Records pushed for a new album, because of the commercial success of "Script For A Jester's Tear (1983)", and Marillion had to record at ten different studios, many of the recordings made while on tour supporting the new album, even before it was released. It was definitely a case of becoming successful so fast that you can´t keep up with the demand.

Stylistically "Fugazi" continues the progressive rock sound of "Script For A Jester's Tear (1983)", but Marillion have opted for a slightly more contemporary sounding production, which sheds some of the 70s progressive rock influences and incorporates more 80s sounding drums and keyboard sounds. "Fugazi" features a more futuristic soundscape, but it is ultimately still a progressive rock album with all that entails of epic atmospheres, complex dynamic song structures, and high level musical performances. The band are very well playing and Fish is an exceptional singer and lyricist. Some of the lyrics on "Fugazi" are absolutely brilliant and his vocal performance is masterful. Some of the most simple lyrics on the album are featured on "Punch & Judy", but anyone who has ever been in a longer relationship (a relationship which extends beyond the magic of the first months/years of falling in the love), will recognise how well Fish are able to describe that scenario.

All other tracks on the album are of an equally high quality both when it comes to the instrumental compositional parts and the lyrics, and "Fugazi" is through and through a high quality release by Marillion. Although it´s unmistakably the sound of Marillion, the band have still managed to move forward and develop their sound since the debut. Under pressure from their label to write and record new material and tour at the same time, they have achieved something very difficult in releasing an album of this quality only a year after releasing their debut album. A 5 star (100%) rating is deserved.