MISPLACED CHILDHOOD

Discovering new and adventurous music some time ago, I came across ''Childhoods End?'' mp3 here on PA. Love was immediate; it sounded so familiar and close, like it was my old time favourite. Yet, never before have I heard this song. This kind of thing happenes to me very rarely.

The album arrived a couple of weeks later and fulfilled all my expectations - it was yet another rare gem, another unique masterpiece. What an excitement!

Keyboard driven ''Pseudo Silk Kimono'' introduces us to ''Kayleigh'', their popular and very well structured, almost pop song. ''Lavender'' continues in a brighter, almost joyous tone and eventually transforms into ''Bitter Suite'', an achingly beautiful and more proggy piece of music (J'entend ton coeur! - Oh my!). ''Heart Of Lothian'' is another incredible song - gentle guitar/keyboard driven opening part blasts into sheer symphonic greatness which again turns into calm ending. Next is ''Waterhole/Lords Of The Backstage''; an upbeat cluster, sort of a break between the two longest songs, and it gets least of my attention. (I didn't say it was bad!) And then - ''Blind Curve'': where does beauty end? This song has everything, just listen to it. After almost 10 minutes of heaven it melts into final ''Childshoods End?/White Feather'' part which concludes the album in a suitable way. A tiny complaint goes to ''White Feather'' - seems it's slightly out of place, that it doesn't fit among other songs that perfectly. Nevertheless, it's a very good, song.

So, what makes this album so good? Cohesion, exceptional atmosphere, combination of subtlety and power, delightful melodies, oceans of keyboards, shining guitar work, quite a few overwhelmingly beautiful moments, extremely intimate, emotional and straightforward singing, balanced and apparently very inspirated songs through which Fish continues proving his high songwriting skills. Although the prevailing mood of the album is melancholic, emotions range from anger and despair to reconciliation and hope. Another story well told!

Marillion's third album is their best offering, ''Script For A Jester's Tear'' comes close. Although their music is hugely influenced by early Genesis, it has it's own identity. It sounds unique enough not to be mistaken by any other band. That's why I will not compare it to anyone. This is neo-prog as it should be, neo-prog in it's full shine; 5 stars.