Some years back, my wife and I were on a road trip.  Being that we were in a location where radio stations were both scarce and not exactly overburdened with listening material to my taste — I’m still trying to recover from the AM spot on the dial devoted to non-stop polka — I rummaged through my assembled collection of CDs for something to alleviate the boredom.  Selecting Kettle Of Fish by Fish, I slid the disc into the player and let it swim.  After a few songs, I asked my wife what she thought of it.  Her response was, and I quote, “It’s all right.  It’s just that it’s… ‘guy’ music.”

Fish, who given how his actual name is Derek William-Dick understandably goes by his nickname, is outside of the faithful few a complete unknown in this country and an afterthought most everywhere else.  It isn’t from a lack of talent, but rather the inescapable fact of how a middle-aged bald Scot whose roots are in progressive rock (he fronted Marillion for its first four records) isn’t going to be the first person most record companies are going to think of as a surefire hitmaker.  Then again, given the overall slump in music sales the past few years, not being designated commercially viable is hardly a mark against any artist, as those who do the designating haven’t been knocking anyone over with their selections of the past few years.

While there are still a few hardcore fans baying for the good ol’ days of Fish as Marillion’s lead singer — never mind he last recorded with the band twenty years ago — most who have ears to hear have given both Marillion and Fish their due as entities apart from each other.  Marillion, with Steve Hogarth having served as lead vocalist since the late ’80s, has broadened and to a degree softened its sound.  Meanwhile, Fish has remained the rocker, unafraid to exhibit his prog past while not being tied to it.  Both of these influences are well displayed in 13th Star, his new record which after several listenings gives no cause to question the first impression it is his best record yet.

Although it can be honestly said Fish has never made a bad solo record, their strength has waxed and waned depending on who the musical collaborator was at the time.  Now teamed up with Steve Vantsis, Fish has found the perfect counterpart to his lyrical muse.  He excels at being both the wistful romantic observer, be it of himself or others, and brooding dark chronicler of nightmarish scenarios.  On 13th Star the music is well up to the task.  Prowling, moody rockers are sprinkled with gentle without being flaccid ballads.  At times the sound approaches a sonorous drone, yet never falls into the trap of excessive repetition.

Personal favorites?  “Zöe 25,” a quieter moment examining a relationship doomed before it ever began, is the most heart-wrenching Fish composition since “A Gentleman’s Excuse Me” from his first solo record Vigil In A Wilderness Of Mirrors.  Which if you’ve ever heard it is saying a lot.  Among the rockers, “Square Go” menaces and growls, loaded with power that will stay with the listener long after the CD player has finished.

This isn’t a record for everyone.  It doesn’t tie things up in a neat, familiar bow and present them without truth or consequence.  It’s not background sound designed to be quickly consumed and then forgotten alongside all the other exercises in music as product.  13th Star demands attention.  Once it has yours, it will not let go, and you’ll be the better for it.

All hail ‘guy’ music!

The CD is currently available via mail order from Fish’s Web site.