Abandoning the acoustic approach of
This Strange Engine,
Marillion turns back toward the heavier sound of
Afraid of Sunlight. Arguably influenced by Radiohead's 1997 album OK Computer, the album also shows a
Beatles sound that lends more of a pop flavor than the band had shown before. "Answering Machine," "These Chains" and "Under the Sun" are appealing tracks, while "Three Minute Boy," yet another
Marillion examination of the impact of fame, contains some of Steve Rothery's best guitar work in years. The American release includes two bonus tracks, reworkings of "Estonia" and "Memory of Water" from
This Strange Engine.