Three years after the release of 'F.E.A.R.' and ten years after the experimentation that was 'Less Is More' Marillion's second attempt at reworking their own music, 'With Friends From The Orchestra' appeared in 2019. Quality-wise this creation showcase the depth and greatness of the songs and Marillion's incredible writing abilities. Chart-wise the album didn't do much of an impact but that wasn't the intention. Again Marillion used this occasion to spark their creative juices in preparation of the next proper studio album as well as giving their supporters something to nurture while waiting for the "real one". This worked with 'Less Is More' and it worked again. Mike Hunter, the band's unofficial sixth member, was back co-producing with Marillion and he arranged the strings too. The strings were performed by Praise Of Folly String Quartet with the addition of Sam Morris, French horn, Emma Halnan, flute, and Phil Todd, saxophone.
As with any re-imagining recording by a band you like you already have favourite songs which might become even more imbedded as your top picks. Or others will step forward and take over instead. You, dear Wave Riders, will have your personal favourites and that's how it should be. On 'With Friends From The Orchestra' the following below are a cut above the rest for yours truly on this very appealing and good recording.
'Estonia' is in my Top 5-list of Marillion songs as it is. The new beginning on here featuring strings enhances the song right away. Bringing in the reworked chorus with strings, brass and woodwind as well as the brand new section around 4.45 are brilliant addtitions. 'The Hollow Man' is stripped down yet very cinematic with the added orchestra. This is not a huge alteration but very effecful, indeed, especially the way they weave in and out throughout the song. 'Seasons End' offers a miniscule change from the original but it is of dramatic effect. And again, the orchestra which moves back and forth lifts an already great song and the guitar solo is wonderful at that.
Marillion are the masters of reinventing themselves and push forward without forsaking who they are. Usually there are minor tweaks, as this album offers, but they are of great effect showcasing the band's brilliance as songsmiths and creators. Personally I prefer Marillion's way by bringing in an orchestra or strip the songs down instead of simply remix and/or shorten a song trying to create momentum. Their way truly show if a song and its creators are a cut above the rest. A very good album, indeed!
-Swedebeast
Comments