Holidays in Eden - Marillion

Holidays in Eden (Marillion, 1991)

1. Splintering Heart - 6:53
2. Cover My Eyes (Pain and Heaven) - 3:53
3. The Party - 5:36
4. No One Can - 4:41
5. Holidays in Eden - 5:37
6. Dry Land - 4:43
7. Waiting to Happen - 5:01
8. This Town - 3:18
9. The Rakes Progress - 1:54
10. 100 Nights - 6:41

Though they started as an imitator (sometimes plagiarist) of the theatrical Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, Marillion morphed into a solid rock band with progressive leanings.  Holidays in Eden signals the beginning of that transition. Often dismissed as an overt pop album by progressive rock fans, there is actually quite a bit to enjoy in this album.

First, I must make a disclaimer - I could listen to Pete Trewavas play bass on anything.  It's quite possible that I, too, would cast stones at the more simple pop songs like "Cover My Eyes," "No One Can," or "Waiting to Happen," if it weren't for the subtle yet creative bass lines. Trewavas never over-plays, yet he always manages to carve out a melodic space for his instrument while supporting the music as a whole. I tell you, there's nothing like a good bassist.

I also have a special place in my heart for the rest of the band.  While early Marillion songs (especially from the first album) can sound like cheap Genesis rip-offs (some riffs were lifted bodily from "I Know What I Like" or "Supper's Ready"), the band's musical identity would eventually become very unique - a mixture of earnest introspection, anthemic dynamics, and flashes of instrumental complexity that create satisfying, if not world-changing, music.

The more progressive tracks bookend the album.  "Splintering Heart" features murky electronics, emotional guitar, and a great vocal melody, while the closing trilogy "This Town" / "The Rakes Progress" / "100 Nights" goes through several movements, moods, and interludes as it describes the emotional disillusionment and moral failures of its protagonist.  "The Party" is also fairly impressive, telling a tale of lost innocence similar to their concept album Brave.

The pop songs are a guilty pleasure. On the plus side, they still bear the stamp of the band's character, even if they hover dangerously on the brink of easy-listening. "Cover My Eyes" is a very catchy, upbeat song with a great guitar solo from Steve Rothery, and "No One Can" has a gorgeous melody that easily nullifies the echo-y instrumental accompaniment.  "Dry Land" and "Waiting to Happen" are solid, if a bit forgettable. The only misfire for me is the title track, which has a cheesy, bouncy beat and an undisciplined structure. If it weren't for Pete's bass playing, I'd be hitting the skip button...

Fans of Marillion who have avoided this album like the plague would do well to give it a try. If you've read this far even though you've been saying "Who are Marillion and why do I care?", I'd recommend meeting the band through Misplaced Childhood, Seasons End or Brave.

Arbitrary rating: 4 out of 5 bass-playing disclaimers