This five-track EP was originally released under the name of Stargrace, but due to another band also using that name it has now been reissued under Marianne’s own. Here she provides lyrics and music, while Graham Lavallin provides guitar on four of the songs and Martin Eve (4th Eden) also provided production etc. I came across this EP thanks to Martin, and he and Marianne have been working together on different projects aside from this. Released in 2017, it is a concept EP, telling the story of the darkness of humanity and the revenge of earth on the human race. Now why does that sound familiar? Oh yes, because I’m in lockdown due to a pandemic, and due to so many humans being unable to do what they would normally do pollution is down, the air is cleaner, the earth literally isn’t shaking nearly as much as it used to. Hmmm….
This is another release where the focus is very much on the voice, with the supporting accompaniments often quite basic. I note on her website she is pictured often with a bass guitar, so I assume that is the instrument she is most at home with and builds the music up from there. The vocals are layered, and her wonderfully clear and emotive voice is always front and centre. I have been fortunate to have come across quite a few “new” (to me at least) wonderful female singers over the last year or so, and Marianne is certainly at home among that group. This is mostly atmospheric music, and it would be interesting to hear her in a more rocky setting as when she has the opportunity she demonstrates the power and versatility of her voice, and in a full band setting she may well come across even better. As it is, this is yet another fine discovery and I look forward to hearing much more.
Rating: 7/10
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Track list:
1. The Last Day
2. The Wilderness
3. Human Taint
4. War Child
5. The Barren Lands Reprise
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