FIREBIRD

Firebird is definitely the best release by this band. Starting with Vulture, which opens with delicate vocals and guitar and sieges into hand organ and electronic sounds overlaid by a haunting bass and thumping drum. The song builds to a crescendo with a great chorus / vocal hook before the electronic sounds play out to the end.

Symbols starts again with delicate vocals and guitar and then becomes a classic rocker with another catchy chorus with some lovely contrasting backing vocals.

Swallow begins with fragile piano and vocals. The drum machine joins before violins accompany the chorus. Strings then run through the song verse before the chorus again, this time to real drums.

Orion is the albums two part centre piece. Piano and vocal lead verse is followed by guitars for the bridge and chorus. The chorus is another vocal treat with Jan Ohme's voice soaring across the range followed by string arrangements and synthesisers. The song gets quite heavy towards the latter half of the first part before fading to electronic noises and drums. Part two is organ noises before 1.10 minutes in we are treated to guitar and fragile vocals again. This becomes heavy guitar and pained vocals distorted and then a return to acoustic guitar to fade.

Prisoner starts as a more straight forward rock song. Lush vocals, guitar and synths with orchestral backdrop. Great stuff!

Jezebel is another slow burner with soft vocals, sparse piano and drums. About a third of the way into the song it becomes an aggressive guitar driven song before calming down for the last third.

Black Widow starts as a slow rock song before the guitars kick in for the chorus which again features Ohme's soaring range and a chorus which is beautifully catchy. 'You are so blind/ the perfect crime...'

The title track, Firebird, is a moody piece reminiscent of Hogarth era Marillion with delicate vocals and a dark subject matter. The song slowly builds as the band create a soundscape which is by turns dramatic, dark and harsh. Ohmes vocals are a true beauty to listen to. Pain and anguish seem to overflow and then regret replaces the emotional outpouring of the chorus. The final third of the song is the climax to this dark journey and it is well worth taking this trip!

Do you know what you are saying? This is another song filled with regret and pain with a vocal which could easily have come off a Muse album. This song also marks a departure for the band in one very definate way. After a lovely violin solo, a 30+ second guitar solo marks this song out. Over three albums tha band have resolutely resisted the urge to put in a solo. However this one fits the song perfectly. If there is a complaint, it is because it is over so quickly! On the plus side it is provided by one of the best technically gifted guitarists in the Prog world - Steve Rothery!

Once in a lifetime is the closing track. In keeping with much of Firebird it is another moody piece with beautiful, lush vocals over an expertly crafted soundscape.

This is my album of the year so far. In my opinion, it should be in everyones record collection and is an essential purchase.

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