CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

The final Marillion studio album with Fish as vocalist sees the subject direction and success of Misplaced Childhood maintained, with the lead singer producing a semi-autobiographical account of his life and his love of, and battle with the demon drink.

With occasional forays into politics (White Russian) and the lure, perils and trappings of the fame game (Incommunicado), Fish displays a startling admittance of the problems he had created for himself, with his soul searching (particularly prevalent on Sugar Mice) providing a superbly emotional, bleak and bitter soundscape for the listener.

An alcoholic's album but a brilliant one nonetheless and a fond farewell from the Fish era Marillion.