CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

Ironically, when this album first came out, I bought it, played it a few times, then put it to one side. I was not very impressed at all. I thought it was too aggressive, tuneless, and disappointing in general. Even weaker than 'Fugazi' I thought, certainly not up to 'Script's' standard, or even 'Misplaced'. Eventually, I swapped it for something else. This year, I was at a friend's house, and we were swapping music. I asked him could I tape 'Clutching' again and I would give it another listen. Now I say 'wow!' I think it is amazing! (Funny how tastes change, isn't it?) I would rate it, along with 'Script', as one of their top two albums, with 'Misplaced' in third place. Fish's voice is in fine form. Every track is top notch. The first three in particular making one's jaw drop. My least fave track would have to be 'White Russian', but that is only in comparison with the others - there are no weak tracks here! Despite what some reviewers think, there is still a strong Genesis influence. Although the songs are not typical of Genesis, again the keyboards and Fish's voice are very reminiscent of them. Put it this way, I could imagine Peter Gabriel and Tony Banks slipping into the band quietly, replacing Fish and Mark Kelly, and not many people would notice. Of course, that is where, as always, the only similarities lie. A pity the band never reached these heights again. Hogarth is excellent in his own way. I saw him with the band a few years ago, and he has a powerful live voice. But the music these days is too radio friendly, Although 'Afraid Of Sunlight' and 'Anoraknophobia' are the best of the Hogarth era. Although they have only done, in my opinion, one really weak album - the tuneless and aimless let down that was 'Brave'!