Marillion - "Sounds That Can't Be Made": One Guy's Take

I've been a fan of Marillion for several years now.  I even got a chance to meet them in Cleveland back in October 2004.  Nice guys all: Pete Trawavas was willing to talk soccer (prognosticating that the U.S. would have a strong showing in the World Cup of Soccer in 2006 - well, we all can't be clairvoyant), Steve Rothery was gentlemanly in his demeanor, Ian Mosley perhaps the most congenial of the whole bunch.  (On meeting me: "You're a tall bloke!")  These three, with Mark Kelly and Steve Hogarth, have been making some of the best prog music since their former lead singer Fish left the fold in 1988.  After dabbling a bit with more commercial efforts as of late, Marillion polished their proggy chops with their latest album, "Sounds That Can't Be Made."  I'm happy to say that the band still has a good sense of flair - they go the extra mile, and it shows.

With Ian Mosley, Cleveland, October 2004.  Two tall blokes.

 

What I like about Marillion is their ability to move comfortably between lengthier songs and more conventional songs.  "Gaza" is the opener, and it packs a wallop.  At 17:31 you might think it has some filler, but this heartfelt look at life on the Gaza Strip (really - how many bands are willing to address the Israeli-Palestinian crisis, and yet do it solely from a humanitarian perspective?) has everything going for it, from the intense, middle-eastern-flavored opening section to periods of harsh realization (marked by a plodding, march-like rhythm), sadness, contemplation, and all ending on a chilling chord as Hogarth, in layered vocals, sings "Someday, surely someone will help us."  "Montreal," at 14 minutes, is a rather subdued life-on-the-road mini-epic, and "The Sky Above the Rain" is simply heartbreaking with Mark Kelly's piano serving as the anchor.  Other songs, such as the ballad "Pour My Love" and "Invisible Ink," show that Marillion aren't all about epics and that they know how to write a solid, catchy tune.  Steve Hogarth's vocals have gotten a bit weathered over the years, but he's becoming a much more soulful vocalist. 

The album may not totally break new ground for the band, but any band that's unwilling to rest on its laurels and take the extra step in their songwriting and playing has my vote.  For those who are ambivalent about prog (not that there are too many of you out there - you either love it or hate it), Marillion may be the band that converts you to the good side.