Marillion
Happiness is the Road Volume 1: The Essence
Racket (2008)
In their twenty-six-year or so history, Marillion have never released a shitty album. Think of other bands that have been around; can they make the same claim? I think not. Sure, there's been albums that are less memorable, but actually bad? Not a one. Writer's block has never been an issue with a couple of exceptions, the releases are usually separated by only one or two years span of time. Last years' Somewhere Else was a strong entry in an ever-growing discography. This album not so much. But as usual, it isn't from lack of trying. The Essence is the weaker of the two simultaneous releases, having an unfortunate AOR sheen that leaves the listener struggling to remember much about it. But after subsequent listens, volume one begins to leave more of an impression around the halfway mark with a beautiful but all-too-brief instrumental called "Liquidity." Keyboardist Mark Kelly works his magic with this one a sparse piano arrangement (sparse by prog-rock standards, anyway) that leads perfectly into "Nothing Fills the Hole," a triumphant in tempo little ditty reminiscent of something off of 2001's Anoraknophobia, which was probably (though in talking to others at a show of this tour, this … Read more
Cruel Hand
Prying Eyes
Bridge Nine (2008)
I love it when hardcore bands up their game. I understand it's hardcore and bands have made decade-long careers on … Read more
Red Sparowes
Aphorisms
Sargent House (2008)
When Red Sparowes released At the Soundless Dawn, I began to better appreciate instrumental music. The sound that the band … Read more
Hope and Suicide
Hope and Suicide
SuperNova (2008)
Many recent listeners may not remember (nor heard in the first place) the first couple of releases by Florida's Hope … Read more
Mötley Crüe
Saints of Los Angeles
Eleven Seven (2008)
Sometimes you just want to tear something down, rip it to shreds. To have that attitude when reviewing an album … Read more
