Marillion – F E A R – Fuck Everyone And Run (EarMusic, 2016)
After its first two groundbreaking neoprog albums, Script for a Jester’s Tear (1983) and Fugazi (1984), I lost interest in Marillion as the band ditched progressive rock and went mainstream. Eighteen albums later, Marillion is back with a concept album expressing various crucial social concerns. And I was happy to hear progressive rock back in the band’s sound.
For those that expect classic or neoprog symphonic progressive rock full of instrumental solos, F E A R is not about that. This album has already generated a lot of opinions. I see it as a work that needs to be appreciated throughout time. I had to listen to it several times to discover its significance.
Vocalist Steve Hogarth does an outstanding job throughout F E A R. Even though Marillion started as band with Peter Gabriel-influenced vocals, Steve Hogarth has a style of his own. F E A R is a very atmospheric recording, featuring delightful keyboard work by Mark Kelly, including soundscapes, orchestrations, mesmerizing sequences and keyboard solos.
Despite the slow tempo of many sections of the album, Marillion has some great musical progressions, where the music becomes more intense and reaches epic prog rock proportions. Although the fabulous Steve Rothery doesn’t dominate the show, he delivers some memorable guitar solos.
The lineup includes Steve Rothery on guitars; Mark Kelly on keyboards; Pete Trewavas on bass and additional vocals; Ian Mosley on drums, percussion; and Steve Hogarth on lead vocals. Guests: Sofi Hoharth and Jennie Rothery on backing vocals; Mrs. Bond’s Class on vocals and claps. Strings by Covent Garden String Quartet: Eleanor Gilchrist on violin; Geraldine Berreen on violin; Teresa Whipple on viola; and Abigail Trundle on cello.
F E A R is a finely-crafted progressive rock concept album demonstrating that Marillion still has a lot to say.