Compared to their latest two releases Anoraknophobia and Marbles, the newest album release from Marillion seems rather simple. Both predecessors were pre-financed by thousands of loyal fans and came in a beautiful designed special edition; and now, Somewhere Else has just been released in your standard jewel case, the only benefit being a limited edition 3-track DVD if you’ve preordered the album. Back to the roots then for UKs best kept secret?
Well, I have to admit that I got this impression when I’ve listened to Somewhere Else for the first time. The songs seemed simple, with no extensive solo jaunts from any of the musicians, and the album was over before I’ve realized it. But Marillion wouldn’t be Marillion if they’d keep things simple. You might miss the neo-prog-elements at first, but if you listen closer, you can still find them (or at least hints of them!). Prog-Rock-purists might nonetheless be a bit disappointed; there’s only two songs that clock in over 7 minutes, and with Most Toys ending at 2:47, Marillion just have written the shortest song in the Hogarth-era!
The fact that the album is more song-orientated than ever makes it very compact, and in my opinion the most accessible one to date. What I miss most is that there’s hardly any connection between the songs, and therefore the album doesn’t seem to be a proper unit. But whilst Somewhere Else is not groundbreaking or too innovative, it still remains a good album that should do for a few enjoyable music moments, and maybe even get a wider public attention. I probably haven’t given it enough time yet, but since the first spin, it already has gotten better and better.
On the last page of the booklet, Marillion already announce album No. 15 for 2008, and I’m sure they will surprise us again with whichever way they’ll take!
You can find some song snippets on the band’s MySpace.
http://www.marillion.com/
http://www.myspace.com/marillion
Most Toys, Recorded Live At Marillion Weekend 2007:
Music Of The Moment 