Marienkind, "Something is Still"

Web searches for this Philadelphia band only turns up a host of foreign-language sites, and the band’s IUMA page merely states that this song now features the band’s new singer, Maria. I felt in the mood for something with a feminine approach and so gave it a try. The first impression of this song – after its moody, church-like opening, is the vocals – soaring, almost majestic, singing, “Something is still holding me here,” the track starts out very promising. Somewhere between dark rock and electronic music, “Something is Still” is a rather pretty and impressive song. Although not mixed particularly well, Maria’s vocals are extremely beautiful. I wouldn’t be surprised if she sang in her church choir, although the song’s rather dark tone may mean otherwise. The beats feel mechanized, the keyboards drifting along under this song are pretty, and the samples – for the most part repeating “I died” – are all very nice touches. The song makes a statement, that’s for sure. It’s dark and moody, but the light keyboards and Maria’s lofty vocals help pull the tone out of the dark ambience of the synths and beats. It’s not greatly different from some of the more softer industrial/electronic-tinged rock bands, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the band’s songs presented a rather gothic approach (a sample of a few other songs on the site show a much more aggressive and electronic approach), but I like this one. And if the new vocalist means this is the approach this band plans to take, I applaud them.
   

Track of the Day on 12Dec2004 in Industrial
Best Female Vocals in Industrial, week of 20Dec2004
Best Female Vocals in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Best Female Vocals in Industrial, week of 10Jan2005
Best Guitars in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Best Drums in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Best Lyrics in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Best Lyrics in Industrial, week of 10Jan2005
Best Melody in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Best Mood in Industrial, week of 20Dec2004
Most Original in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005
Potential Soundtrack in Industrial, week of 3Jan2005

Awards! Track of the Day on 26Nov2004 in Industrial
Best Female Vocals in Industrial, week of 22Nov2004
Best Female Vocals in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004
Best Lyrics in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004
Best Melody in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004
Best Beat in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004
Most Original in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004
Rocking Track in Industrial, week of 29Nov2004

Almost perfect!
Dark soundscapes introduces a creepy song where the female vocal line is the most important part. The female vocals are very, very interesting, but I find them just a little bit too much dry (which it may give at times the wrong impression they're not finely inside the note) so I would probably add a slight bit of verb on them (since I believe there's not verb on them at all). The song is good, the vocals are interesting, the lyrics as well and the arrangement professionally made (I like how the song modulates). The only criticism I would make (a minor one) is what I already said: add a bit more verb to support the vocal line and this song will be perfect!
...just in case you wonder, our ancestors were use to play in theaters or concert halls cause they had a natural verb granted by their architectural design... I believe every acoustic instrument and vocal may only gain from the verb (of course tuned differently for each single instrument/vocal type). Anyway, the female vocals reminds me of Maire Brennan (singer of the always excellent Clannad) who sings for a modern version of Depeche Mode. And I love it!

- guthorm
Torino, To, Italy