This Strange Engine - Marillion

Marillion's first album after having been dropped by the major record label EMI is a confident up-yours to the nay-sayers who ever doubted them. A blend of pop rock and experimental style tracks this album is a lot more accoustic and guitar based than previous works. Most of the tracks resonate with a seriousness and otherworldy feeling. Musically and lyrically these tracks are spellbinding and are a brilliant display of resolute spirituality in spite of their knock back. Vocalist Steve Hogarth revels in the sound of his own slightly Gaelic sounding voice and moans his way through a lot of the tracks. I get the sense of time slowing down and of music seeping ...  Read the complete review

Having been dropped by EMI after "Afraid of Sunlight", Marillion responded with this tremendous and, in the circumstances, surprisingly confident CD. Their best since the departure of Fish and (dare I say it) very possibly their best ever. Marillion pretty much went back to the basics on this album, proper songs and plenty of acoustic guitar. It starts with MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES. A very catchy tune, this is so bright and exuberant that they even bring in a school choir towards the end. What do you mean you don't believe it? ONE FINE DAY with its wistful lyrics: ~ Listenin' to the pouring rain ~ Waiting for ...  Read the complete review