MARBLES

With this release Marillion reach soaring heights of powerful music that from the first track to last give some of the most incredible sounds to be found in the Marillion catalogue. To me this is their ultimate masterpiece from the spacey opening minutes of 'The Invisible Man' to the final incredible moments of 'Neverland'.

This album expands on what was done with Anoraknophobia even further offering an eclectic a mix of songs that could easily be commercial like the beautiful mellow 'Fantastic Place' and 'Genie' and longer songs like 'Ocean Cloud' and 'The Invisible Man' which could easily fit onto any classic prog album with complex song structure and beautiful emotional music.

Steve Hogarth's voice and Steve Rothery's guitars create incredible atmosphere all the way through this album especially on the amazing opening track which features several sections starting with a spacey electronic intro section and ending with an incredible heavy finale with a fantastic guitar solo and vocal performance. Ocean Cloud the albums longest track is a song in a similar vain to This Strange Engine featuring several sections once again with incredible atmospheric guitars and vocals.

'Don't Hurt Yourself' is one of the finest tracks on the album, a simple acoustic rock song but Hogarth's vocals and Rothery's guitars make it something very special that sticks out on this album and fits well with the mellow feel of the album.

The albums 4 part title track which appears throughout the album helps to tie both discs together very well which is a vital component in making a 2 disc album into a masterpiece. Each part features prominent keyboards and vocals and is are presented as short interludes between songs and each part is very intriguing and atmospheric as the rest of the album.

The final moments of the album made up by the long track 'Neverland' really show off fantastically how much emotion this band can bring out in their music and leaves you with goosebumps when this mellow but hard hitting song ends. Featuring some of Rothery's finest playing on the album also with simple but incredible sounding melodic patterns.

For anybody wishing to know the Hogarth era of Marillion this is the peak of their creativity and playing and is highly recommended. A mellow rock classic which features some very Progressive Rock leanings. Sometimes Neo-Prog sometimes Crossover but always beautiful.

Marillion are a 5 star band and this is an essential 5 star album.