Marina And The Diamonds performed a simple but charming rendition of “I Am Not A Robot” at Reading Festival, with the performance being anything but robotic…This perfomance supports and advertises their first EP release ,”The Crown Jewels”.
With echoes of an early Debbie Harry (Blondie), the intriguing vocals paid homage to the simple indie/pop bands of yester-year whilst introducing new ideas and modern lyrics. Infusing cute piano and a charming voice, Marina And The Diamonds created a unique yet fashionable sound on stage. The vocals in this acoustic performance weren’t perfect, adding to the fragility and likeability of Marina, although her stage presence is undeniable and the intensity is visible as she sings the words of a song most people can relate to.
The exciting vocal tones offered something unusual with the almost operatic bridge juxtaposed with the speedy chorus and lines such as “Let the drum beat drop…”, making this simple, acoustic version different yet somewhat easy on the ears. With a simple, crowd-pleasing chorus, “I Am Not A Robot” will undoubtedly be heard echoing round the main stage next year, rather than the newcomers acoustic stage.
‘I Am Not A Robot’ is a great invitation to explore more of this exciting new band. Their songs, such as ‘Seventeen’ and ‘Simplify’ are in the same vein as ‘I Am Not A Robot’, but each offer something new and adventurous with the common theme being the fantastic vocals.
The band’s first EP is an introduction to their world, seen through cute piano-pop melodies and soaring vocals with a hint of funk and rhythm. A follow-up to their one off release earlier in the year, The Crown Jewels takes the listener through many common experiences of a 21st century teen, from first relationships to the complications in modern life.
The piano-pop is both relaxing and funky. Its the kind of music I imagine a city slicker listening to on their way home from work or a student working with or a housewife cleaning to… soothing, interesting and well rounded.
The stand out track, obviously being I Am Not A Robot, leads the EP with a strong tour-de-force. Having received airplay and attention after Reading, this song is a great opener. It gives you an idea of the rest of the EP, whilst leaving you eager to find out more. With lyrics about teaching you how to feel, the song talks about a relationship and the hard times involved, noticing when one partner changes and causes friction. The opening of this song is cute and minimal, the bridge, about being vulnerable and not a robot, is a great lead into a powerful and memorable chorus. Overall the song is fun and quirky, the piano keeps a fun element to what could otherwise be a ballad about heart-break.
Following the same theme, Seventeen is the story of a girl who experiences the life of an adolescent and the trials and tribulations that come with it. The piano and drums combination in the song is somewhat reminiscent of ska bands, Madness for example. There is definitely an upbeat, ska-like tone to this song, whilst still being modern. As a girl, the song is definitely easy to relate to!
Simplify is the 3rd and final new track on the EP. With a more relaxed element to this song, there is a collision of simple piano melodies and lyrics concerning modern life. Singing about the city and houses in the country, Marina is clearly concerned with the fast-paced life in London and the difficulties a city-dweller may face. The song is based around simplifying life in this day and age, a great song to have on your ‘chillout’ playlist and de-stress with.
To conclude this refreshing cacophony of sound, there is a funky remix of I Am Not A Robot. The Starsmith 24 carat remix is an exciting take on the lead track. Estimating this track would sound awesome in a club, I can imagine it being played either at the start or the end of a great night out. Not heavy on drum and bass, more synths and percussion, it’s rhythmic and quirky. Marina’s vocals work well remixed and sound good with some production.
On the whole, the EP is a roaring success. Some modern similarities in Florence + The Machine and Lady GaGa (but less dancey) and even La Roux, Marina has a clear, unique, Pop-Piano sound with interesting lyrics and a great voice. The Crown Jewels will no doubt introduce Marina and her Diamonds to the music industry and by my reckoning, after listening to this EP, she’ll be welcomed with open arms. Her live performance at Reading proved she’s an all rounder and a great performer.
With a demanding tour schedule already lined-up for October, Marina And The Diamonds will no doubt reach new heights by festival season 2010. They will be touring throughout September and October as part of the NME RadarTour. The EP, ‘The Crown Jewels’ is out now. [J]
www.myspace.com/marinnaandthediamonds
