13TH STAR

"Sunsets On Empire" was the only Fish album that impressed me enough to give 4 stars to until hearing "13th Star" his latest. On "Sunsets On Empire" Fish was fortunate to have Steven Wilson at his disposal and he pulled off his best album up to that point. Well here we are 10 years later and Fish has created the album of his life. I've read many times that for artistic people to go to the next level whether it's in writing a book or painting a picture they need to go through something tragic in their lives. That intense sorrow, deep emotion and "at the end of the rope" experience draws out inspiration like nothing else. I remember reading on the DPRP site that Fish was marrying MOSTLY AUTUMN's Heather Findlay and thought "Wow ! That should cause some waves in the Prog community". Then some weeks before the blessed event Heather pulled out much to Fish's surprise. He was obviously heart-broken and in the liner notes he thanks certain people who held him up and helped him to carry on through this storm. This album is the result of that experience, no doubt about it.The lyrics are clear about this and the emotion can be felt. The result is the crowning album of his solo career.

The first two tracks on this album absolutely smoke. The sound quality by the way is fantastic. "Circle Line" has an almost electronica vibe to it and when the guitar comes in you know it. Vocals follow. What an opener ! The guitar is crying out late. "Square Go" opens with more of that electronica which reminds me of CHROMA KEY and OSI. Reserved vocals before a minute.The guitar comes and goes wreaking havok. Love the background synths too. So good. Spoken words after 3 1/2 minutes. "Miles De Bosos" is the first clue that this is about his failed relationship. Piano and reserved vocals. It does get a little fuller after a minute. They step it up another notch 3 minutes in.

"Zoe 25" opens with gentle guitar and reserved vocals as piano joins in. It's so uplifting after 4 minutes. "Arc Of The Curve" features picked guitar and piano as these laid back vocals join in. It picks up after a minute.The emotion is high here. "Manchmal" kicks in with some heaviness before a minute. Nice. Passionate vocals here too. "Open Water" opens with guitar as spoken vocals join in. It kicks in before a minute. This is catchy and heavy. Nasty guitar 4 1/2 minutes in. "Dark Star" has this mid paced beat with almost spoken vocals. It's fuller on the chorus as contrasts continue. It's quite heavy before 5 minutes. "Where In The World" is a touching ballad. "Thirteenth Star" is also laid back and moving although it does kick in before 3 minutes.

I highly recommend this recording, it has emotion and great lyrics along with some intense rocking moments. It's a rollercoaster and i'm ready to go again.