Is it still necessary to introduce Derek Dick, better known under the pseudonym of Fish, a nickname given a long time ago, because of the long moments that our Scottish giant liked to spend in his bathtub at his landlady's house? Let's just remind the younger ones that he was the first singer of Marillion before starting a solo career with about ten albums of varying quality. Everything has been written about the man, sometimes genius, sometimes lacking inspiration or even voice. In short, he leaves no one indifferent, has a real aura and above all an exacerbated sensitivity.
To realize this "A Feast Of Consequences", Fish surrounded himself with musicians who have been following him for several years now and who actively participate in the writing of the titles. Mark Wilkinson, the graphic designer of the first albums of Marillion was also put to contribution. He signs the cover illustration, but also those of each track, as well as a booklet of more than 100 pages (in a collector's edition) making the physical object quite simply exceptional.
The eleven tracks of the album are divided in a rather balanced way between long (more than 6 minutes) and short but often linked tracks. The main theme evokes the first world war and remains obviously rather dark. The album is dedicated to the wounded, missing and dead of the great war. The music is not necessarily very complex and leaves a great place to the emotion. Fish doesn't push his voice too much either but succeeds intelligently to bring depth to the song by being assisted by Liz Antwi.
'Perfume River' which opens the album is to be classified immediately among the major tracks of this opus. Beginning with the sound of bagpipes, dear to the artist, this long suite unveils itself little by little, rising in power both vocally and musically. Classic but effective this entry should receive the approval of all.
On the emotional side, 'The Other Side Of Me' is the most beautiful ballad of the album. A very slow rhythm, layers of violin, a hint of Mellotron and a central guitar solo worthy of Steve Rothery associated with Liz Antwi's vocals can only hold you in suspense.
Finally, let's mention the very conceptual central suite ('High Wood', 'Crucifix Corner', 'The Gathering', 'Thistle Alley' and 'The Leaving') evoking the Great War. This long piece is divided into several acts, beginning and ending with the piano, introducing trumpets. It plays on rhythmic variations sometimes close to military marches, heavy and thick atmospheres letting transpire the anxiety and the adrenalin discharges associated with these strong moments.
Fish delivers with "A Feast Of Consequences" a complete studio album as well on the musical level as on that of the writing that we can easily place in the top 3 of the musician. with "Raingods With Zippos" and "Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors".