FISH ON FRIDAY – Godspeed (2014)

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FISH ON FRIDAY is a relatively new Belgian ensemble which are about to released their third album “Godspeed“. The band already established themselves as an adventurous Rock&pop / Progressive act with their previous CD, but I have to say that “Godspeed” it is the culmination of a wonderful process where Fish On Friday have reached its prime.
Simply put, this album is beautiful.

Inspired by classic The Alan Parsons Project, Fish On Friday is a band that incorporates the best elements of pop and progressive rock, creating a sound both clever and catchy. “Godspeed” sees mastermind Frank Van Bogaert and his partners developing in full their experience and maturity.
Fish on Friday’s sound is ultra melodic and maybe too light for prog standards, but the songwriting’s smart and the musicianship is top notch.
Who could plausibly ask for more in a pop-prog crossover?

Justifiably, Fish On Friday have generated comparisons to The Alan Parsons Project, not only musically but also in terms of it being a producer / engineer-led project. And I love it.
The core here is multi-instrumentalist and producer Frank Van Bogaert together with keyboardist / orchestrator William Beckers both writing the songs, but they have a terrific bunch of musicians behind.
There’s super talented Nick Beggs (of Steve Hackett, Steven Wilson, Rick Wakeman fame) on bass, Chapman stick and providing some awesome harmony / backing vocals, and the ever-busy Theo Travis providing great winds, among others.

On this new CD “Godspeed”, The Alan Parsons Project trend continues most notably on compositions like “Radio” and “Stay”, which recall the Parsons album Pyramid.
There’s also a hint of ’80s Yes that pops up during the album. Yet, it’s not all about recreating the triumphs of these famous bands, and “Ghost Song” is almost Steven Wilson-esque in stature.
We have as well countless original twists on “Sanctuary” and “Tick-Tock” confirming that Fish On Friday possesses a readily identifiable sound.

“Godspeed” has a strong sense of diversity to it. Each song is generally different from the one that came before, yet always rich in melodies based around a concise structure, plenty of soulful guitar leads, ambient atmosphere and subtle vocal effects all tossed into the mix.

If you miss (like me) your classic The Alan Parsons Project, there’s something to quench your thirst: Fish On Friday.
I can’t recommend you “Godspeed” enough: it’s a wonderful record combining the best of the elaborated pop with light progressive arrangements to make it more interesting, all played and arranged to detail.
Fish On Friday have a solid depth to their sound, but as a rock&pop record, the key is in the immediate enjoyment, and this is something “Godspeed” succeeds in wholeheartedly.
Of course production is one of the stars here: pristine, crystal clear, multi-dimensional, crisp… yes, Alan Parsons would be proud of it.
On “Godspeed” Fish On Friday have managed to make something enjoyable and intelligent, an outstanding, articulate and impeccably presented album.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

01 – Godspeed
02 – Just a Nightmare
03 – She Colours the Rainbow
04 – Callin’ Planet Home
05 – Ghost Song
06 – Radio
07 – Sanctuary
08 – Stay
09 – Don’t Love Me to Death
10 – Tick-Tock
11 – My Dog

William Beckers – keyboards, percussion
Frank Van Bogaert – keyboards, vocals, backing vocals, additional guitars
Nick Beggs – bass, Chapman stick, backing vocals
Marty Townsend – guitars
Theo Travis – saxophone, flute
Marcus Weymaere – drums, percussion

BUY IT !
www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=4864
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