Marillion

Item: Marbles
Author: Barry Nothstine

Marbles

(2004)

Reviewed by Barry Nothstine

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Label Intact RecordingsThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

art rock progressive rock rock

It has been a LONG time since many of us have enjoyed the game of Marbles. The latest project from Marillion will have you playing Marbles again and again.

Marbles is a superb atmospheric record with delightfully moody passages and ethereal vocals charged with drama. The moody tone of the record is punctuated with lyrical pictures of melancholy, love lost, and hope. Musically Marillion is evocative of diverse artists such as Pink Floyd, Sting, and Peter Gabriel. But the comparison is difficult and ultimately unfair, because Marillion is a band with a long history of striking their own artistic path. While starting the band began its musical existence as a more traditional progressive rock band, releases such as Marbles showcase the band's determination to blaze a trail of creativity and originality.

Highlights from Marbles include the epic 13-minute opener "The Invisible Man" with its evocative story of a man watching his former love without being able to communicate with her, "You're Gone" a slice of sorrow over love lost with a catchy percussive/synth loop backbeat (currently number 7 on the U.K. singles chart), "Neverland," and "Drilling Holes" with the following amusing lyrical snippet:

We ordered extra tea
Listened to XTC
Under a shady tree
Went back to bed at three
It was cool
As can be
(two sugars for me...)

The musicianship on Marbles is excellent--particularly the keyboard/synth/mellotron passages, rich guitars and diverse percussion. The music fits the dreamy atmosphere and wraps around the vocals nicely.

Marbles will be a welcome addition for the musical enthusiast searching for a refreshing change of pace. The band has created a uniquely entertaining CD. It should be noted Marillion has worked hard to connect with their fans and share their work in new ways.

This review is based on the single CD retail version of the CD. After enjoying this version of Marbles I can share that I WILL be ordering the double disc version.