MARBLES

This album is a real move away from conventional Marillion, but sees the band chasing a more commercial, Radiohead/Feeder, style. As a true Marillion fan this distresses me, as I see an excellent band trying to "imitate the youth" and play like bands, who should themselves, be looking up to bands like Marillion. This is evident in the way that Steve Rothery has adapted his guitar style, which before was so very distinctive and now sound more like Radiohead etc. Don't get me wrong I have no dislike for these bands I just feel that Marillion don't need to imitate.

However, this album does have its positive sides. I found that the first time I listened to this album that it was a disappointment and disliked songs such as 'The Invisible Man', but on repeated listenings this has become one of my favourite songs with real depth present. The section that contains the line "Standing in doorways in Venice, Vienna..." is one of the best parts of this song.

Other highlights of this album include 'Neverland' which as a result has become one of my all-time favourite Marillion songs and is a real favourite at live shows. It has a real spacey feeling and the lyrics are so incredibly honest. 'Drilling Holes' is another high point of this album, and resembles 'See Emily Play' by Pink Floyd with the 60s psychedelia theme, a great song.

I believe that new listeners will find this album much how I did and would definately not reccommend this album to an individual unfamiliar with Marillion. However, this album does have some great sections that redeem it in my eyes.