SOUNDS THAT CAN'T BE MADE

In terms of production, the band never sounded better because all instruments are clear and pristine. Maybe the Trewavas's bass could have had a bit more protagonism, but it's ok nevertheless. And It's incredible to check that after 25 years in Marillion, Steve Hogarth's voice is still in top form!

It's a pity that this guy has so an affected and studied pose on stage, because he has one of the best prog-rock voices in my humble opinion. But let's talk about the songs in Sounds That Can't be Made.

Gaza starts the album in an incredible way, achieving of the band's highlights. An impressive song with strong lyrics, heavy guitars and great progression. Together with acts like The Invisible Man and This Strange Engine, Gaza is without a doubt one of the best songs of Hogarth's era. Just a must hearing track for every prog lover.

Sadly Sounds taht Can't be Made can't maintain this quality level with its silly text and boring melodies. Just too repetitive and dull, except for the great guitars towards the end. Pour My Love is a song in the style of the worst tracks in Radiation and Marillion.com. Just forgettable and the lowest moment in the whole album. This trip-hop influences... Just lame.

Luckily the rythmic Power raises our souls with its beautiful keyboards and good Trewavas work, while Montreal is another highlight of the album despite its mundane lyrics. A gift for the fans showing the most variable and prog side of the band. Invisible Ink is a beautiful little song in the vein of the most intimate compositions of Happiness is the Road. Lovely despite (or thank to) it's simplicity.

Lucky Man is solid, but a bit repetitive for my taste despite the powerful Hogarth's singing. The Sky above the rain closes the album brilliantly, with its beautiful lyrics and increasing intensity. It's a song perfect and effective to be played live, but with a too much Hogarth's protagonism. Another little classic from this album!

Conclusion: Sounds that Can't be Made is clearly not one a peak in the band's history, but it's still a very solid release from a veteran band which refuses to live from the past and it's always exploring new paths to expand their music. This album is not so good and surpising like the previous Happiness is the Road, but easily surpases other Marillion's efforths. It has three wonderful songs (maybe four), and the rest is also pretty enjoyable if not memorable with the exception of the forgettable Pour My Love.

Good work, guys!

Best Tracks: Gaza, Montreal, The Sky above the Rain.

My rating: ***

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