MURDER MACHINES

I have to admit that I have been missing most of what latter day Marillion has recorded. I got tired of waiting for them to go back to either progressive music or, at least, good melodies. It seemed that they wanted to avoid anything that is a little straight and/or melodic (for more than two minutes). So I was quite surprised when I heard about their newest single and decided to give it a shot - for the good times - and find out that it is one of their best. It is simple, it is short, poignant and vey, very good. The theme deals with the Covid-19 virus, but still the lyrics are subtle and broad enough to have other interpretations and certainly it will not date with time. Steve Hogarths interpretation is full of passion and moving, the melody is beautiful and the band put on a fantastic unobtrusive performance that only enhance its power. It is the best single song I heard so far this year.

Of note: I also heard Be Hard On Yourself, another track from their upcoming album An Hour Before it´s Dark. It is a very strong tune too. If all the material on the new CD is as good as those two then maybe we´re about to see Hogaths era Marillion finest hour. Let´s wait and see. For now I´m glad they have done such a formidable song as Murder Machines.

Rating: 4,5 stars.