Thus, while it is a tad more 'jarring' in this context then the similar inclusion of love on Brave, there is no question that love is also a victim of fear. The other composition ('White Paper') is mostly a meditation on love - in this case, 'dying' love - though it seems that the love is dying at least in part as the result of the prevailing…atmosfear. The three suites - 'El Dorado,' 'The Leavers,' and 'The New Kings' - and the related composition ('Living in FEAR') are all, in one form or another, observations on fear: how it is created (fear-mongering), how it is controlled (via politics and media), how it affects people. The album consists of three suites, separated by two other compositions, one of which relates directly to the suites, the other of which seems a tad out of place (though, as we will see, its inclusion does make some sense). One might say (borrowing another phrase from Brave) that the band is no longer 'hollow men,' but has become both worldly-wise and world-weary, both 'informed' and disillusioned, even (to a degree) cynical. Indeed, the overall effect of the album is one of barely checked (and occasionally unbridled) anger, and a deep frustration and concern both for England (whom they are directly addressing) and beyond (including the U.S., for whom some of the issues are the same).

Twenty-two years later, the same (or worse) 'darkness' exists in many of the same ways, but even more ominously now - and this time the band is at the center of the story…and they are angry. However, the overall effect of Brave was more 'melancholic' than grim, more sad than 'judgmental' (of the society they describe). The above quotation is a good example - and very relevant to their new album, as the new album offers a look at how the 'big lie' has become even bigger.

Using as a starting point the (true) news story of a young woman found roaming around an area of England - who did not know who she was, or where she had come from, and even refused to speak to the police or the media - the band created a fictional 'back story' for her, which included some fairly 'dark' elements, including re politics, socio-culture, media…and fear. In the 27 years since Steve Hogarth took over as lead vocalist for Marillion, the band has had only one bona fide concept album: the aurally and emotionally stunning Brave (1994). The sense that it's useless, and the fear to try Not believing the leaders, the media that feed us Living with the big lie.' 'The cold war's gone, but those bastards'll find us another one They're here to protect you, don't you know? So get used to it - Get used to it!.

Marillion brave meaning