SOUNDS THAT CAN'T BE MADE

Marillion's latest release "Sounds That Can't Be Made" is a relaxing well performed experience that has some very gentle melancholy songs and at times the inspired excellence that one has come to expect of the band, though it is not consistent. Over the years the changes in the band's lineup and sound are remarkable. The band have really settled into a serene style with patient stillness in the music that builds into majestic sweeping arrangements.

As usual there is the stirring voice of Steve Hogarth and the wonderful keyboard prowess of Mark Kelly. Bassist extraordinaire Pete Trewavas is always integral to the sound and especially the lead work of Steve Rothery, backed by massive percussive rhythms by Ian Mosley.

The album sails along nicely with songs such as epic length Gaza (17:31), and the incredibly emotional Montreal (14:00). These are perhaps more progressive in structure than the more poppier Invisible Ink (5:44) or Lucky Man (6:54). Nothing really jumps out to me as a masterpiece track though, as it all feels very similar in style. The closer The Sky Above The Rain (10:34) is certainly another high point of the album musically, a love song with nice piano and soaring guitars, especially the ending, but again I did not feel anything on the album measured up to some of the genius work of the past. The chorus's feel like power ballads, the instrumental breaks are not as dextrous as they could be, there is not enough innovation and I can hardly tell one song from the next; it all just blends into a dreamy 70 minutes, great music to sleep to but not that enjoyable to listen to on repeat visits.

It is a good album, tailor made for those who love Neo Prog, but it was all a bit too relaxed for my liking and none of the melodies jumped out. It perhaps will not disappoint Marillion fans, but I was expecting something along the lines of the masterpieces of The Flower Kings' "Banks of Eden" or other albums of late that have blown me away. Marillion have been around long enough to produce something special, and they have demonstrated this potential, but the songs on this album just float along on one relaxing style and the musicianship is fairly standard for a keyboard dominated band. Try it before you buy it, is my advice as this is a standard Neo prog album; good but not essential listening.