MARKET SQUARE HEROES

While overtly Genesis influenced Marillion's Market Square Heroes EP does not seem cheap or second rate in any way. By this point Fish has not properly established his unique, snappy vocal delivery yet his beatifully crafted poetic lyrics are just as ingenious as always. The title track remains Marillion's most energetic piece to date, the contagious keys of Mark Kelly and a revolutionary anthematic chorus drilling it instantly into the listener's brain. Both Three Boats Down From The Candy and Grendel are more controlled. While the latter is an epic that inevitably conjures up memories of Supper's Ready Three Boats Down is the song most reminiscent of the material from the band's first full length album, Script For A Jester's Tear, reaching climax almost at the last minute with its upbeat yet strangely haunting synth riff backed chorus. Market Square Heroes is sitll the sound of a developing Marillion yet what they have created is certainly stronger than so many other first releases.