SEASONS END

Fish is replaced here by Steve Hoggart, who has a more mellow, less theatrical voice. This album is similar to the previous "Clutching at straws", still having many atmospheric & ethereal keyboards and guitars, and even being slightly more progressive and powerful rock than "Clutching at straws". It is the best one of the Hoggart-era so far, followed by the Brave album. The finesse and subtlety of the many dreamy mellow & ambient moments are absolutely palpable. The sax parts on the Berlin track are really interesting, giving a very refined touch to the Marillion's sound. The omnipresent clean & brief rhythmic guitar notes, like the ones on "Clutching at Straws", are, again, very catchy and addictive. The keyboards are VERY modern, floating and melodic. Rothery makes many excellent guitar solos, especially the VERY emotional and sustained one on "Easter". All the tracks are excellent. The only slightly irritating point is Hoggart's too highly pitched & moaning voice when he sings too loud. The "Seasons end" track has an OUTSTANDING finale, very majestic, dreamy, relaxing, ambient, percussive, mainly consisting in a perfect mix of ethereal keyboards and spacy guitar sounds.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!