Superb return single from Aqualung.
After the phenomenal success of 'Strange and Beautiful' back in 2002 and a gold album in the form of the self-titled debut, it seems Aqualung's profile diminished. The follow up album, 2004's 'Still Life' seemed to receive a much more muted reception, and Aqualung would have been in danger of slipping from the map completely were it not for the comeback single 'Cinderella'.
Taken from the forthcoming album 'Memory Man', 'Cinderella' checks every box as far as a return single is concerned. Opening with gentle piano chords that give way to a guitar heavy intro, the song isn't what you would immediately expect from Aqualung. Similarly the muted and muffled vocals laced with effects aren't either, and the vocal style is reminiscent of Eels E. By the chorus the song sounds like the kind of epic guitar ballad the likes of Matt Bellamy or Thom Yorke would orchestrate, and whilst that's the kind of description that gets bandied about regularly it isn't something I say lightly. Despite clocking in at almost 4 minutes, a considerable length for a radio edit, the song has enough development and stylistic changes to pull it off with ease. The album version of the track is largely similar, merely 30 seconds longer. This is an ambitious comeback for sure, and one that will hopefully see Aqualung returning to centre stage. Such a good return to the scene will doubtless see many fans (myself included) feeling eager to hear what the new album has to offer.