FULL SCALE

"Full Scale" is the debut full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Strangefish. The album was independently released in 2003. Strangefish formed in 1989 and primarely spend their formative years as a live act. They did compose music along the way though and also released a four-tracks demo titled "Reeled In" in 2000.

Strangefish plays an intriguing and symphonic type of neo-progressive rock, with strong ties to the 80s UK progressive rock scene and artists like Marillion and IQ, but they occasionally also have a hard rock edge to their music which sends them in the direction of artists like Deep Purple ("Take a Holiday" for example smells a lot like Deep Purple), Uriah Heep, and Magnum. They are generally quite progressive in their approach to writing songs, and although there are vers/chorus structures present on the album, most songs are pretty long and features many different sections and instrumental parts where the musicians can show off their playing skills. Longer tracks like "Shifting Sands And Turning Tides" and "At First Sight" for example feature some very well performed and challenging progressive rock sections. Lead vocalist Steve Taylor is predominantly a rock/hard rock singer, but he can also deliver more melodic and sensitive vocals, so he is quite versatile.

"Full Scale" features a decent sounding production job, but it´s not up to par with more professional contemporary sound productions. You´re able to hear all instruments and vocals in the mix, and there´s nothing wrong with the clarity of the soundscape, but there is a lack of power and warmth here, which means the material isn´t enhanced in the way it could have been with had it featured a more professional sound production. Upon conclusion "Full Scale" is however still a good quality progressive rock release from Strangefish and a 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.