Marvelle

Marvelle
Self-Titled
Self-Released
2009

Track Listing: Dark Matter/Gospel/Less/D&D/Spark/Forgotten/Bail/Dark Matter (abridged)

As the opening strokes of the violin welcome you to the world of Marvelle, you will be pulled in to listen, and listen again. Dark Matter almost says it all. The first track of eight, Dark Matter is intense, dark, and addicting. Marvelle states infinity is being swallowed by the universe, and indeed, some days, life certainly does feel that way.

The beauty of Marvelle is that the violin is the main course at a banquet for kings and queens, not relegated to play the measly part of a lesser-than side dish. Listening to Marvelle is an experience; you can’t eat lightly, just jump in and sate yourself.  Embracing the intricacy of Yes, the beauty of the Moody Blues, the whispering strength of Emerson Lake and Palmer, Marvelle does not disappoint on any track of this album. Gospel tells the truth and Less is more. Up all night, the sun is rising.Those fucking birds, incessant chirping, get some coffee, now catch the bus. This is the kind of stuff that one listens to sitting in a dark corner in a private hell, and who doesn’t like to go there for a visit every once in awhile?

Marvelle

And just like any storm, the sun does come through the clouds eventually as it does on D&D, with its promise and hope of better times ahead. I’ll be home before long, wait for me. Dreaming of your long hair, and sweet kiss. She better wait,you think. And, of course, she will. On Sparks that hope flies high once more stating Ask me tomorrow, And I will tell you, I choose you.

Two songs of hope must be followed by one of despair. It’s in the rule book. Forgotten is unforgettable. Driving, pulsing, with plenty of finger pointing, Forgotten reminds one of their immortality. No one gets out alive, and will anyone even remember you once you’ve departed? Underneath it all, we’re all just sacks of blood and bones. Born into royalty, Born into poverty. Some how you still ended up here.

Bail starts out frantic, then dragging, with a poignant ending encapsulating it all. Yet they don’t fulfill the void I seek. But they will, they will. With about two minutes shaved off, the CD ends with an abridged version of the opening track Dark Matter.

Band members include John Holm: Violin / Vocals, Winter : bass / vocals, and rotating drummers with Brian Herb, Andy Uzondoski, and George. Their myspace describes them as “a new sound from Minneapolis, thick arrangements for a sparse trio”; seriously, this is so thick, you can’t chip it with an ax. Violin is first and foremost on every track, but the drums and guitar are perfectly placed. Intricate beat patterns where needed, sparse when necessary. Guitar work compliments the violin, never upstaging but always present. This is a precisionally timed, well thought out endeavor. Holm and Winter both take turns singing and their voices compliment one another quite nicely. This a band worth seeing, and a CD worthy of anyone’s collection.

-Berni Sarazine

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