CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

Clutching at Straws is the final studio album that Fish will make with Marillion but what an impressive set of recordings he leaves behind. Script, Fugazi and Childhood were very consistent and, although they may not have stretched the musical boundaries of prog rock, each of these is of exceptional quality and are deserving of a place in any prog rock collection.

Clutching of Straws matches the quality of the earlier efforts. These are generally shorter songs (longest is White Russian at 6:28) that flow into each other. There are again no weak tracks. There are some great guitar and 'Banks-style' keyboard solos but it is really Fish that delivers an impressive performance.

There are many highlights but I do enjoy the Torch Song in which the Jester (Fish) is a victim of his fame and lifestyle ? a Roman candle burning out.

Highly recommended. 4.5 stars