Search - Marillion :: Somewhere Else

Marillion return with a quiet follow-up to Marbles

Tom Johnson | Always here, sometimes there | 04/24/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Marillion returns three years after their epic, widely lauded Marbles concept piece with another self-produced album. While no one seriously expects them to top such a feat, all ears are curious as to how they attempt to follow up what many now consider to be the unexpected peak of their 25 year career.



Marillion spent their career in the '80s carving out a niche in the resurrected prog movement of the period, aping much of the territory that Genesis, Yes, and Gentle Giant had already covered so well a decade before. By the end of the decade, things would change drastically with the departure of their lead singer, the poetically-gifted choke-throated Fish, who would be replaced by Steve Hogarth, who brought to the band a more traditional pop-rock style of singing - not to mention the sensibilities of such a singer.



Over the past two decades since Hogarth joined the band, Marillion has slowly shifted from a progressive band into what they are now: a pop-rock band doing very intelligent music now that happens to occasionally be conceptual in nature. This album, however, isn't, and I'm personally glad they opted for an album of songs rather than another big concept piece. Following the amazing two-disc Marbles with another big, heavy epic like that would have been a mistake - too much too soon. Instead, what we get is a lighter, airier Marillion, but no less engaging (aside from a couple of stumbles.)



Marillion have found their sound finally - what really started to take shape on 2001's Anaraknophobia, if a little roughly, they perfected with Marbles in 2004, they now continue here, and that's basically a good thing. While it makes for an album of no real surprises, it's simple, smart pop with a good band and an emotive vocalist.



Where Marillion let the listener down on Somewhere Else is where they simply try too hard - "Most Toys" where they attempt to rock out as hard as they can (and mostly flail about instead of hit the target) and "Last Century For Man," where they attempt a cautionary tale and only score with the infectious and beautiful chorus, but the song falls flat in the verses. It just isn't a very strong message song - some bands are better at delivering straight-up messages and others are better at hinting at them creatively. Marillion should stick to the latter.



For fans, Somewhere Else makes a lovely transition out of the emotional, intense, and dense Marbles. For newbies, Marbles is going to be the place to start - and then give Somewhere Else a try as it's easily one of their most focused and solid albums since 1995's Afraid Of Sunlight. Songs such as nearly epic "The Wound" and the contemplative "Thankyou Whoever You Are" should quickly find themselves on many Marillion fans most-played lists, but it's the charming acoustic closer "Faith" that could be a surprise for everyone - it's beautiful.



(Originally posted by me at LookoutForHope and Blogcritics)"

Another Extraordinary Journey

PositiveLastAction | VA | 04/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Marillion's 14th studio album "Somewhere Else" is a promise well kept. As with Anoraknaphobia, Marbles, and others..I was originally a bit disappointed when I first heard sound clips for "Somewhere Else". Alas, any die hard Marillion fan knows that clips and first listens are absolutely meaningless. So like a good boy, I gave "Somewhere Else" many a listen before submitting my review...and the album is remarkable..further demonstrating Marillion's level of musical creativity, craftsmanship and genius. As with other Marillion albums, "Somewhere Else" takes us on a grand, emotional journey that guarantees us raw energy, unspeakable beauty, haunting passages, and even a few rough spots ('Most Toys' if you haven't already guessed). Highlights include the heavenly "Voice From the Past" ( an epic track that nearly had me in tears) and otherworldly title track "Somewhere Else". "No Such Thing" is a dreamy bit of psychedelia that shows how truly unique and creative Marillion is. "The Wound" is a haunting number that turns and winds in true Marillion fashion.. with more listenings it may end up my favorite track. The opener.."the Other Half" is emotionally intense with an absolutely beautiful atmospheric ending. The album ends with the beautiful, subtle, folky "faith"..an amazing track that is perfect for this album. So "Somewhere Else" can rightfully take its place as another Marillion masterwork...right there with "Marbles" and "Anorak"..with the boys all working in perfect harmony to create pure magic. "Somewhere Else" may not feel as polished as "Marbles" yet it is more complex, targeting deeper emotions as we got with "Afraid of Sunlight". If you are new to Marillion or a current fan..please, please, PLEASE give "Somewhere Else" a chance and listen to the songs all the way through....so that you can fully digest and appreciate the complexity, beauty, mystery and mastery of their music. Look out for album 15 next Spring...Life is wonderful!!!!"

Incredible potential!

Kevin Gessino-kraft | Lakewood, Ohio United States | 04/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Somehow I got my copy in the mail today. On first listen I think the album has great growing potential. I'm still not convinced about the first single "See it Like a Baby," and I've pretty much never liked "Faith," which has been out for a while, but there is a LOT to appreciate here. I think "Somewhere Else" is going to be the song that immediately appeals to most who loved Marbles. And it is my instant favorite. However, "Thank You Whoever You Are" is infectious and has me completely hooked after only 2 listens. "Most Toys," I believe, is the best rocker since "Hooks in You." Speaking of rocking, this album is much more of a rocker on the whole, anyway. Great guitar (like that's a surprise) and much more up-tempo, but yet still atmospheric as you would expect. Shorter songs, too, with much of the album coming in at under 5 minutes. That's a little different to get used to. I do love a good epic! Marillion has been my favorite group for almost 20 years and I have tickets to 3 shows in the UK (I live in Cleveland, Ohio). The tour is sure to be electrifying and the album WILL NOT disappoint. It might take a few run-throughs, but fear not, people, Marillion have done it again! This review comes from a fanatic. I am very likely to enjoy anything Marillion puts out. However, I try to take an objective approach. This album will still have to grow on me. It isn't an instant classic. I liked most of it on the first listen. I liked more of it on the second listen. And that is how it should be, really. The stuff that takes longer to digest stays with you better in the long run. I didn't even like Season's End when it first came out. Now it is my favorite album of all time. It just had to grow. There is no band that even comes close to rivaling Marillion. None. And you'll never convince me otherwise. This is a good album by a great band and by the time I'm really accustomed to it, it will be a GREAT album by a great band. Give it time. Marillion delivers again and again and again..."