FUGAZI

Back in the 80s, I found this bitter outing a disappointment after SFAJT. In retrospect, it is probably a superior work. It is certainly more jagged and musically aggressive and (forget the sex pistols!) the lyrics are among the most vitriolic and self-loathing in rock.

As usual, Marillion are better at creating short riffs and rhythmic patterns than the sort of gorgeous vocal melodies that Genesis or Yes could produce at will. This album turns that to advantage and gives Fish the opportunity to let fly his angry lyrics, some of which are literally spat out. Consequently, the title track and Assassing are among the most successful pieces here, even if they are blighted by early 80s production, some annoying funky basses (which almost never work in prog) and the heavy handed drumming of the period.

The attempts at balladeering, such as the lengthy "She Chameleon" drag somewhat. The rather twee opening of Jigsaw does not help much. Still this may be Marillion's magnus opus but not a work I would return to often. 3 and a half stars.