Author: Peter Podbrežnik
Artist: Marillion
Label: EMI Records
Released: 1987
Running time: 16:08
Rating: 4/5
Marillion were in their neo-prog rock phase, popularly known as the Fish era, and at the commercial peak of their career, a high they would never reach again, even though they later wrote plenty more radio-friendly songs. “Warm Wet Circles”, headlined by a freshly remixed version of this classic, was the third and last single promoting the cult fourth studio album “Clutching at Straws” (1987), their final studio outing with charismatic Scottish singer Fish up front, whose decision to leave the band thoroughly shocked their followers.
Much like “Sugar Mice”, “Warm Wet Circles” is a deeply confessional piece with a strongly melancholic mood and lyrics that lay bare Fish’s despair over the decadence brought on by the wild lifestyle of his sudden, unexpected role as a “rock star”. With his heart-wrenching vocal performance, Fish dictates the calm, rhythmic nature of this Marillion evergreen from start to finish. Kelly’s piano in the background heightens the gentle, melancholic melody, backed by subtle touches from Rothery’s guitar. The peak arrives with the dramatic chorus and a furiously sorrowful Fish, followed by a bombastic slide guitar solo and Mosley’s dramatic drum fills. Just as Fish’s vocal hits its dramatic climax, the piano carries the song off to some other world, and then it suddenly ends. Like the other two “Cultching at Straws” singles, “Warm Wet Circles” came with a promo video, featuring the band live at one of those summer open-air festivals.
The single also includes live versions of the classics “Incommunicado” and “White Russian”, recorded on the “Clutching at Straws” tour. Both are the same takes that appear on the double live album “The Thieving Magpie” (1988). After the tour wrapped in 1988, with the band already in the studio starting work on a new album, Fish finally decided to leave the group and launch a solo career, which meant a completely fresh start for Marillion.
“Warm Wet Circles” is yet another “Clutching at Straws” classic that has aged beautifully and neatly sealed the final studio chapter of the Fish era. A new, almost completely different era, ushered in by Fish’s successor Steve Hogarth, a.k.a. Mr. H, was just around the corner.
Lineup
Fish – vocals
Steve Rothery – guitar
Mark Kelly – keyboards
Pete Trewavas – bass
Ian Mosley – drums
Production
Chris Kimsey
Track list
1. Warm Wet Circles (7″ Remix)
2. White Russian (Live)
3. Incommunicado (Live)
