1341 - Marillion Brave 1994

"Brave", a dark and richly complex concept album that took the band 18 months to release. The album also marked the start of the band's longtime relationship with producer Dave Meegan. While critically acclaimed, the album received little promotion from EMI and did poorly commercially. Based on the true story of a young woman who was found wandering on a bridge - but who could not or would not speak with authorities, and was never identified despite national outreach - Marillion imagines a "life" for her, evoking a melancholy atmosphere, bringing to bear all of their well-honed prog-rock sensibilities. The title song appropriately sums up the feel of most of "Brave"- after a free-flowing vocal over warm synth sounds, we get a prolonged buildup with some exotic textures.