Search - Fish :: Vigil in a Wilderness

So, where are all the minor keys?

Goofus | Brentwood, CA United States | 06/18/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Try as I might, I just can't get into post-Marillion Fish very much (neither can I get into post-Fish Marillion). Seems Fish and Marillion needed each other. To contrast other reviewers, I found the power and dynamics of this album sorely lacking. Sorry, but his lyrics are just not up to scratch compared to the lyrics of old found on the first four Marillions. (Don't believe me, pull out the insert of Marillion's Fugazi and compare the complexity). Save for the title cut, did the keyboard player have something against minor keys? Remember the effect Fugazi had on the listener, with its dark tones and brilliant lyrics? They aren't here.Still, there's some nice stuff here and some nice melodies. If you've heard some Fish and like it, you'll like this album, and it is decent. It's just not at all similar to Marillion albums. So, while I won't knock Vigil, I must say that if your motivation for giving it a try is based on Marillion classics, you may be found wanting. If you've heard some other Fish stuff and dig it, you won't want to be without this.Fair enough?"

Fish - The First Solo Album

Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 02/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fish, of course, is the former lead vocalist for Marillion. After the "Clutching At Straws" album and tour he decided to leave the band and strike out on his own. The result was this, his first solo album, released in 1990. Fish recruited some strong musicians to back him up including drummer Mark Brzezicki (Big Country) and keys man Mickey Simmonds (Camel, Mastermind). The album came across as something quite different from his work with Marillion yet keeping many of the Fish trademarks that fans had come to love. "Vigil" is still one of his strongest solo ventures, and may even be his best. Fish has always been known for his lyrics, and this album is strong in that regard. The lyrics may be a bit more straight forward than in his Marillion days, but they still strike a chord with the listener with their incredible poetic skill. The album opens with the 8 minute plus "Vigil" which is probably one of Fish's best solo tunes. It builds from a quiet opening "just a voice in the crowd" to the rousing chorus. The next track "Big Wedge" was obviously made to be a single, and almost sounds like something Phil Collins might do. But...although musically similar to Collins the lyrics spit out Fish's views of the United States and their affect on the world. The "Big Wedge" referred to in the song title is indeed the U.S.A. "State Of Mind" features more political commentary. "The Company" has become one of Fish's theme songs. "A Gentleman's Excuse Me" is a great break up song as only Fish can write them. "The Voyeur" paints the picture of an individual addicted to TV. "Family Business" explores the subject of domestic abuse told from the perspective of a neighbor who knows it is going on, but is too scared to act. "View From A Hill" seems to be his comment on the music business in general and his departure from Marillion. The last song "Cliché" is a love song to his then wife Tammy, again as only Fish can write them. There really is not a bad track on this album and for fans of early Marillion or Fish in general it is a must own. The album did quite well in Europe, but was not even officially released in the US. I remember buying my copy as an import and paying top dollar for it. Maybe it was the subject matter of the single that kept it from US release, but I never understood it as Marillion had a fairly decent fan base in the States at the time."

A Classic Release by Fish

Peyman Moazami | Tehran, IRAN | 01/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fish's first release following his departure from the Marillion is a classic album. When I first heard "Cliche" it blew me away. It's sheer emotion and passion that drives this special song and it's one my all-time favorites. I still don't understand why this song hasn't been performed live by Fish or even wasn't included on Yin & Yan compilation cd's. By the way the song urged me to get the CD and wow! it was truly a masterpiece. "Vigil In A Wilderness of Mirrors" is a fine spacey song which leaves the listener breathless. Other great cuts from include: State of Mind, View from the Hill and Family Business together with Cliche. All in all I do believe that Fish checkmated the Marillion with this release and the debut for his could never be better than this. This album is a classic release and highly recommended for any Progressive Rock fan."