The last couple of Fish albums can best be described as a strange mix of brilliant prog rock compositions and rather disappointing ballads. When this Scotsman’s new album Fields of Crows hit my CD-player, it became immediately clear to me that this is probably the best balanced Fish album so far. This is a cheerful discovery, since the usual weak songs are absent (although I’m not sure about “Shot The Craw”). However, it doesn’t contain any absolute highlights either.

Fields of Crows will probably come as a surprise to Fish fans of the first hour. Despite the fact that some of the music on the album reminds me a little of his former work, it’s obvious that the change of direction has never been so rigorous as it is now. Melodies made way for rhythms, blues instead of prog, and a gentle piano driving away the shrieking keyboards.

What was already obvious on stage is the fact that Fish’s voice is getting rougher every year. Fields of Crows is the first album that actually reveals the decline of his vocal reach. On this album, Fish therefore relies more and more on the music. It’s a good thing to notice that this works out fine, as this new direction is more orientated towards atmosphere. Although I do miss tracks like “The Perception of Johnny Punter”, with powerful music and aggressive vocals, I think that Fish released a fine CD. He might loose a couple of the old fans, but I’m sure Fields of Crows will find its way to a new group of fans.