BRAVE

This album is a comeback to the familiar territory of moody concept albums that the band pleased their audiences with so much in the '80s. The new spin added to this particular storyline is its extremely dark subject matter and no real moments that lighten the atmosphere. I think that this approach probably didn't win Marillion any new fans due to the lack of any single-oriented material but at least it satisfied the existing fans tremendously.

Since it was one of the first Hogarth-era albums that I heard it was met with mixed feelings on my part and once that first impression settled in it was difficult for me to ever really give this material a proper chance ever again. I realize that this is highly unfair but the main problems for me are the album's length and highly depressive tone. Still, I have full empathy for everyone who enjoys this material since there is enough subtle beauty here if it's given the chance to grow.

It's clear that the band didn't want to make another melodically-driven album and instead it's the atmosphere that has taken the pilot seat this time around. I would like to recommend seeing the accompanied Brave: The Film that highlights some of the story elements much better than the music. Originally I saw it on a bootlegged VHS but now that it has been released on a proper DVD there's just not excuse to pick it up!

The movie version, together with the unexpected change of music direction, makes the album version of Brave slightly less important item compared to other Marillion releases for anyone interested only in the most essential material. As much as I like The Great Escape it still doesn't come near the perfect ending of Misplaced Childhood nor is the overall quality of the material qualifies for any comparison to Clutching At Straws. I miss those really memorable moments that would make me want to play this album just out of the blue without starting to think about the concept and direction of this material.

***** star songs: The Great Escape (6:30)

**** star songs: Bridge (2:56) Living With The Big Lie (6:46) Godbye To All That (12:27) The Hollow Man (4:08) Alone Again Into The Lap Of Luxury (8:13) Paper Lies (5:48) Brave (7:56) Made Again (5:02)

*** star songs: Runaway (4:41) Hard As Love (6:42)

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