STUCKFISH – IV (2024) *HQ*

STUCKFISH does not have the most attractive band name, but makes sense: the group was founded by singer-songwriter Philip STUCKey and guitarist Adrian FISHer. We were pleasantly surprised by the band’s debut years ago – a really well done mix of Melodic Rock and Progressive – now they are releasing the fourth album, suitably titled ”IV’‘. Including Phil Morey (bass) and Adam Sayers (drums), the album sees the introduction of new keyboardist Paul McNally.
While we are pleased to hear that the band retain much of their recognisable musical style and trademark elements that have built upon since their first album in 2018, on “IV” there is a real sense of renewal and a willingness to throw in some surprises too. While undoubtedly framed within the melodic prog rock structure, ”IV” demonstrates the band’s determination to push beyond such constraints and remain as fresh and original as possible.
The opening track, ‘Shadows & Moonbeams’ (watch video below), immediately hits you powerfully between the eyes, with Phil’s wonderfully deep and resonant lead vocals, wrapped around by shining multi-harmonies in a style reminiscent of Kansas and other 70s / 80s pomp rock giants. The track has a real AOR / melodic rock feel to it throughout.

By contrast, second track ‘Silently Waiting’ starts serenely with gentle, acoustic guitar and dreamy vocals. Phil’s reflective contemplation of the end of a relationship is a sad, but delightful interlude, before the guitar chords kick in and the tempo picks up with some lovely probing bass from Phil Morey, with Fisher’s proggy keyboards taking the song in a different direction. A Spanish-style acoustic guitar solo seamlessly changes into a soaring and uplifting electric guitar one.

‘Lifeline’ is the album’s upbeat, feel-good track, quite commercial. The catchy guitar chord motif propel a delicious slab of accessible melodic rock, with Magnum-style keyboards and flowing guitar patterns. Phil delivers some uplifting, rising and sweeping vocals about how we depend on each other in this troubled world of ours.
McNally’s lovely piano introduction starts ‘Liberty’ in fine fashion, but Adam’s dynamic drums herald a real burst of power from the band soon after, with some mighty neo-prog guitar and synths. The song was inspired by a motif by former keyboardist Gary Holland and has a mini-epic feel of grandeur, with an atmospheric musical counterpoint to Phil’s dramatic and expressive vocals.

At about 3 minutes in duration, ‘Fragile’ is the shortest track Stuckfish have ever recorded, but is a masterpiece of musical and lyrical conciseness, and completely different to anything the band produced before. There is a heartfelt simplicity to the accessible, hopeful and pop-orientated synth-led instrumentation and dreamy, flowing lyrics and refrain of ‘Owner of a fragile heart’ (and not a nod to Yes, as I first wondered).

Plunking string sounds and acoustic guitar motifs and harmonics signal the start of the truly epic ‘The Time Of Your Life’. This sumptuous and stately piece of symphonic prog, awash with waves of keyboards, has an opulent feel of musical theatre, with Ade’s orchestral arrangements adding the feel of a West End show crossed with the Alan Parsons Project.

‘JFKX’ (or Just For Kicks) is a great musical contrast – a vibrant and fun-filled rocker of a song, starting with driving bass and drums, that I imagine could be a popular ‘on your feet’ track when played live in the future.
Originally written as an unused demo for Marc Storace of Krokus, in the vein of Highway Star, the addition of Hammond organ and synths to accompany the 70s style guitar riffs, lifts it well beyond a simple blast of straight-ahead hard rock. Paul plays all the keyboard solos and this track is very much his introduction to the band on record. Melodic rock is where the band’s roots came from, and the track demonstrates this perfectly, with Phil clearly relishing the dynamic vocals and rock ambience.

‘Fly (On Feathers Of Hope)’ is one of the most intriguing of songs on the album, and over repeated plays it has become a real favourite, demonstrating how the band refuse to be pigeon-holed into any particular genre. Essentially a joint of several musical styles, it is a truly progressive composition that continually rewards you with musical treats you didn’t hear previously. The opening section is inspired by Yes, and has the feel of a traditional prog song, with the music sweeping high via the electric guitar, followed by the introduction of some Pendragon-like organ. A more typical melodic prog rock section follows, with some telling ensemble instrumentation from everyone, including some orchestral string sounds
In another first for the band, the song ends on vocals alone. This is a set of musicians still not afraid to delve into new musical directions.

The album ends with their longest studio track ever to date, with ‘SkiesFall’, and it is a magnificent epic concerning accounts of the near-death experiences of many and the life changing effects they have on them. A slow, hypnotic tempo of bass, drums and an ethereal wash of synths accompanies yearning vocals with some thick bursts of prog metal guitar riffing, and a pensive, dreamy atmosphere.

With ”IV”, StuckFish have produced a truly special album full of musical diversity and inventiveness, brimming with confidence and musicality. There is still a familiarity to the music, but it is informed by a wish to take themselves to fresher musical areas they have not travelled to before.
This is melodic rock / progressive rock of the highest order and will hopefully expand their growing fanbase even more over the next year or so.
Highly Recommended

01 – Shadows & Moonbeams
02 – Silently Waiting
03 – Lifeline
04 – Liberty
05 – Fragile
06 – The Time of Your Life
07 – JFKX
08 – Fly (on feathers of hope)
09 – SkiesFall

Phil Stuckey – vocal
Ade Fisher – guitar
Phil Morey – bass
Adam Sayers – drums
Paul McNally – keyboards

BUY
https://whiteknightrecords.bandcamp.com/album/iv