MARSHALL STAR - Uncontrollable

ARTIST: MARSHALL STAR
TITLE: Uncontrollable
LABEL: Furry Records
FORMAT: CD
SOUND QUALITY: Excellent / Studio
DATE: 2004
AVAILABLE FROM: http://www.dynamitevision.com/


TRACKS


1 Everybody
2 Fallen Angel
3 Wish I
4 My Love
5 Never Met a Man
6 Love Is All
7 Dream On
8 Will You (turn It Up)
9 Superstar
10 Sweet Sensation
11 Never Mind

Marshall Star are duo consisting of vocalist Mandy Sharp & multi instrumentalist CP. Their debut album "Uncontrollable" was recorded in "The Shed" in Tunbridge Wells. You could be forgiven for not expecting too much from what at first glance looks like another would be pop star duo, who lack self awareness and the counsel of good friends in an attempt at pop stardom. Album cover artwork from my perspective (having grown up in the 70's) is all part of the experience and sadly the cover image did nothing to draw me in but rather confirmed my suspicions as I began to wonder if this review might be a little bit of a chore. Before I put the disc in my CD player the best word I could use to describe the experience thus far would be innocuous. However, it would be unfair to judge a book by it's cover...

Once in the player, I was really quite stunned. Innocuous is far from it. This music is provocative and stirring. It is a unique blend of soul, electronica and alternative rock. Vocalist Mandy Sharp has a big, passionate, soulful voice and CP's instrumentation is a convincing mixture of well produced stadium rock and lo fi experimental attitude. Imagine the Eurythmics in a blender with Portishead and the Jesus & Mary Chain and you'll get some idea of what's going on.

Marshall Star create pop music that is uncompromising with a cool rhythmic pulse, intelligent instrumentation and larger than life vocals. Highly recomended.