cavanaughpark09
02/16/10, 03:25 PM
Marianas Trench – Masterpiece Theatre
Record Label: 604 Records
Release Date: February 24, 2009
My introduction to Vancouver's Marianas Trench was essentially several friends telling me that there was band I needed to listen to. One explained to me that Marianas Trench was "essentially the Fall Out Boy of Canada" (in terms of popularity). Another sent me links to the entirety of both of Marianas Trench’s two LPs. If Marianas Trench were that good wouldn’t I have heard of them? I mean, Canada isn’t that far away...
In true fashion to how I stumble on a lot of music one of the songs from this album came on while I was driving to work a few weeks later and by the third chorus I was singing along thinking, "wow, this shit is catchy." I listened to the entire album, and then again and again and again.
My intentions in this review are simple. I’m not particularly familiar with this band, nor am I one of those people who have known about them for years. I think it’s safe to say that I might be able to bring a fresh eye to looking at the album. I’m kind of amazed that a review doesn’t already exist. I want to throw out there an opinion of someone who has found an album and wants to share it with people.
This album was about two years in the making. This was not, as usual, due to any record label disputes or the release date being continually pushed back, but because the band didn’t want to put just any music out there, but because they wanted to make the best album that they could.
Did they achieve that goal? I’m going to give you a resounding hell yes because this is one of the best full albums that I think I’ve heard in years.
The album starts with "Masterpiece Theater I," noting clearly that there are more versions to follow. The song starts with not just lead singer Josh Ramsay, but the entire band harmonizing. With the majority of similar American bands having, at most, a few band members singing backup this almost feels like a throwback to those boy bands of the late ‘90s… the ones that are now your guilty pleasures. And yes, they absolutely pull it off. Vocals like that backed with heavy guitars and drums somehow sound even better.
The second track on the record, a quick paced and repetitive "All to Myself," is the song that originally got me to listen to the entire record. Now note that I mean none of these descriptors to be an insult because the song remains one of my favorites on an album full of good songs. It’s catchy, and infectious.
"Cross My Heart" follows with just as much energy and only a change in subject matter, complete with hand-clapping and a bridge that builds and builds to near screaming at the end. Even better, the band also has an acoustic version of this song available which is different but just as good as the rocking album version.
Ramsay’s vocals range goes from smooth and earnestly soulful to raspy and at times almost screaming. I’m a fan because they match up with what he’s singing so well, but I think that there are definitely people who won’t like it. Honestly, give it a chance because it’ll grow on you as you listen to the album.
Marianas Trench also proves that they’ve got the ballad and the slower songs down. "Beside You," "Acadia," and "Masterpiece Theater II" all focus a bit more on the harmonies and the entire bands singing, and really let Ramsay show off his range.
The first time that the band falters is with "Good to You" which features Kate Voegele. Although Voegele is a great artist herself there’s something about the song, Maybe it’s the placement, the pace or something else in the song itself, that just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the album.
The final song on the record, "Masterpiece Theater III" is hands down the track that should get a lot of attention. Mixed with new music the song also features lyrics and music from every song on the album. And no, this is not in the form of a grand remix or radio edit but an amazing song all on its own. It relives every emotion from every song on the record. Like the entire album this song has its ups and downs but overall comes out a strong and solid.
Marianas Trench being described as the Canadian Fall Out Boy doesn’t really do them justice. I feel like it does the band a disservice to place them under such a comparison because they make it clear that they’re not trying to be anyone else. This band, and this album in particular, need to be given their own chance and if you’re going to give the album a listen you should go into it with no preconceived notions.
Every song on this album is strong for one reason or another. Due to that, and maybe the organization of the songs for the most part, I’ve been blown away by this album as a whole. Very few albums in my collection have managed that feat but this is one that I will not stop listening to until this band gives me something new.
As Ramsay continuously questions in "Sing Sing" Marianas Trench seems to be asking with this album, "Do I have your attention?"
The answer is yes, absolutely.
Fall Out Boy; Panic at the Disco; pop-punk
http://www.myspace.com/marianastrench
Record Label: 604 Records
Release Date: February 24, 2009
My introduction to Vancouver's Marianas Trench was essentially several friends telling me that there was band I needed to listen to. One explained to me that Marianas Trench was "essentially the Fall Out Boy of Canada" (in terms of popularity). Another sent me links to the entirety of both of Marianas Trench’s two LPs. If Marianas Trench were that good wouldn’t I have heard of them? I mean, Canada isn’t that far away...
In true fashion to how I stumble on a lot of music one of the songs from this album came on while I was driving to work a few weeks later and by the third chorus I was singing along thinking, "wow, this shit is catchy." I listened to the entire album, and then again and again and again.
My intentions in this review are simple. I’m not particularly familiar with this band, nor am I one of those people who have known about them for years. I think it’s safe to say that I might be able to bring a fresh eye to looking at the album. I’m kind of amazed that a review doesn’t already exist. I want to throw out there an opinion of someone who has found an album and wants to share it with people.
This album was about two years in the making. This was not, as usual, due to any record label disputes or the release date being continually pushed back, but because the band didn’t want to put just any music out there, but because they wanted to make the best album that they could.
Did they achieve that goal? I’m going to give you a resounding hell yes because this is one of the best full albums that I think I’ve heard in years.
The album starts with "Masterpiece Theater I," noting clearly that there are more versions to follow. The song starts with not just lead singer Josh Ramsay, but the entire band harmonizing. With the majority of similar American bands having, at most, a few band members singing backup this almost feels like a throwback to those boy bands of the late ‘90s… the ones that are now your guilty pleasures. And yes, they absolutely pull it off. Vocals like that backed with heavy guitars and drums somehow sound even better.
The second track on the record, a quick paced and repetitive "All to Myself," is the song that originally got me to listen to the entire record. Now note that I mean none of these descriptors to be an insult because the song remains one of my favorites on an album full of good songs. It’s catchy, and infectious.
"Cross My Heart" follows with just as much energy and only a change in subject matter, complete with hand-clapping and a bridge that builds and builds to near screaming at the end. Even better, the band also has an acoustic version of this song available which is different but just as good as the rocking album version.
Ramsay’s vocals range goes from smooth and earnestly soulful to raspy and at times almost screaming. I’m a fan because they match up with what he’s singing so well, but I think that there are definitely people who won’t like it. Honestly, give it a chance because it’ll grow on you as you listen to the album.
Marianas Trench also proves that they’ve got the ballad and the slower songs down. "Beside You," "Acadia," and "Masterpiece Theater II" all focus a bit more on the harmonies and the entire bands singing, and really let Ramsay show off his range.
The first time that the band falters is with "Good to You" which features Kate Voegele. Although Voegele is a great artist herself there’s something about the song, Maybe it’s the placement, the pace or something else in the song itself, that just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the album.
The final song on the record, "Masterpiece Theater III" is hands down the track that should get a lot of attention. Mixed with new music the song also features lyrics and music from every song on the album. And no, this is not in the form of a grand remix or radio edit but an amazing song all on its own. It relives every emotion from every song on the record. Like the entire album this song has its ups and downs but overall comes out a strong and solid.
Marianas Trench being described as the Canadian Fall Out Boy doesn’t really do them justice. I feel like it does the band a disservice to place them under such a comparison because they make it clear that they’re not trying to be anyone else. This band, and this album in particular, need to be given their own chance and if you’re going to give the album a listen you should go into it with no preconceived notions.
Every song on this album is strong for one reason or another. Due to that, and maybe the organization of the songs for the most part, I’ve been blown away by this album as a whole. Very few albums in my collection have managed that feat but this is one that I will not stop listening to until this band gives me something new.
As Ramsay continuously questions in "Sing Sing" Marianas Trench seems to be asking with this album, "Do I have your attention?"
The answer is yes, absolutely.
Fall Out Boy; Panic at the Disco; pop-punk
http://www.myspace.com/marianastrench