FIELD OF CROWS

In terms of song quality distribution, this album is quite OK as there is no such thing as lousy track throughout this solo album by ex Marillion lead vocalist. The problem with this is that there is no one single masterpiece track coming out from this album because all are distributed evenly from start to end. In addition to this, this album is basically Fish work on almost purely pop music scene right from first to end of the track. Having said so, there is basically no prerequisite on musical taste that the listeners must have had prior to listening to this album as far as they like music. From this basis, then the review should revolve around how catchy the melody line instead of the composition manages transitions from one style to another. In typical pop music, there is basically a single straight forward structure of Intro-A-chorus-A-chorus-A .. etc. As simple as that. Well .. the statement that I made before this phrase only applicable when I spun for the first two spins. After that, it grew on me ..

The opening track "The Field" (8:42) proves to be a simple straight forward track in mellow style with low register notes of vocal line. The melody line is quite good and Fish vocal quality is clear and transparent. He sings in relax way with Frank Usher's guitar provides a howling sound that is rare in typical pop music. The flow of the music is quite nice which brings this song is enjoyable by most ears, I believe. The only boring part for me is the repetitive parts at the end of the song, those with brass section. If this is not made that long, I think this song would not make you bored with it.

"Moving Targets" (5:46) is richer in textures through the soft guitar fills but it also has steady beats through dynamic drum work. I believe the mixing of drums part in this track has been wonderfully crafted. The interlude part of this song is interesting, it gives different flavor than any other pop songs, I believe. The howling guitar part at the end part of the song is also wonderful. The drumwork enriches the end part nicely, it reminds me to Phil Collins' solo : "Lorenzo" where the percussion is dynamic.

"The Rookie" (5:35) is a riff-based music using guitar as riffs maker augmented by steady drum work as beat keepers. The keyboard /organ provides nice punchlines while Fish is singing. The song is as upbeat as the second track. The interlude part which comprises an intertwining work of guitar and keyboard tah starts at approx min 1:45 is really stunning and very uplifting. This song is much attractive than the previous two tracks, according to my personal taste.

"Zoo Class" (5:23) starts with Frank Usher guitar fills in ambient nuance followed by the work of brass section which in a way reminds me to the intro part of Chicago Transit Authority "I Am A Man" song. When Fish voice enters, it's basically different kind of music with excellent groove plus stunning guitar fills that enrich the textures of the music. As this song moves like a funky music with accentuation of brass section, you can easily find it similar with regular R&B songs. The only difference is the guitar style of Frank Usher.

"The Lost Plot" (5:10) starts high with piano as melody line followed wonderfully by Fish powerful voice. As far as melody, this can be considered better than any previous tracks' melody. The flow is also excellent especially when keyboard and piano provide the sounds that enrich the song's textures, augmented by electric guitar work at background. The music moves beautifully in crescendo letting guitar solo to enter nicely. I like the guitar solo that starts at approx 3:05 onwards. It's really cool.

"Old Crow" (5:20) uses sampling of keyboard as beat keeper combined nicely with guitar as rhythm. Fish vocal enters in energetic way. I almost get bored with the brass section but luckily Fish does not do it too much with this track, so I can still bear with it. The guitar solo that makes this song interesting.

"Numbers" (5:36) starts nicely with guitar riffs (without any other instrument) followed by percussion and Fish voice that follows. The bass guitar is used to produce a rhythmic part at background. The music moves in a bit rockin' style with good combination of guitar and drumworks.

"Exit Wound" (5:55) starts nicely with electric guitar fills that accompany Fish singing in good melody, powerful low register notes. The bass guitar gives its lines to accentuate the song. The song moves wonderfully with really a catchy melody, excellent textures through howling guitar work and sax work. I do enjoy this track and it has become my favorite as well. As far as melody concern, this is the best one from this album. It's very enjoyable and easy listening. I am impressed with how great the audio quality especially this track.

"Innocent Party" (7:37) is an ambient rock music at the intro part with excellent intro followed by accentuated Fish singing style. The drumwork makes this intro part is dynamic even though the guitar is only producing a repetitive riff. The music then flows into its main body with steady rhythm section. The interlude part in the middle of the track gives a chance for guitar to perform solo.

"Shot The Craw" (6:00) seems like continuing the riffs of previous track "Innocent Party" and the music moves in flat style. The song moves into uplifting mood at the end of the track. "Scattering Crows" (Still Time) (5:05) is a nice concluding track with piano as main rhythms section backed with sampling sound at the back. It's another nice track with good melody. It's a very good concluding track in terms of Fish singing style as well as the music that accompanies him. It's really cool and relaxing. Bravo Fish!

Overall, oh yeah .. this is an excellent album by Fish even though the prog elements are not that intense throughout the album. This album is good for those who had been expecting Fish to come up with an album where the songs that build the album are all good and, in fact, excellent. This album serves the purpose. I would be happy to recommend those who have not known Fish before with this excellent easy listening music by Fish. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

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