Marina Diamandis has produced a record worthy of an Album Of The Year accolade without the year even fully beginning. Spring has yet to awaken our dazed eyes but Diamandis has woken the world up with her slap-in-the-face signature brand of power pop and quirky eccentricity.The ‘Hollywood’ singer had been hotly tipped to take 2010 by storm by the BBC Sound of 2010 poll and has been buzzed about in cyberspace for nearly two years. With an army of devout ‘diamonds’ (similar to Mariah Carey’s ‘lambs’ except not as creepy) Marina will most likely set the charts ablaze in oh ten, along with her 679 labelmates Little Boots and The XX.
'The Family Jewels' has some fan favourites nestled into its fibres like her debut ‘Obsessions’ animalistic ‘Mowgli’s Road’ and ‘I Am Not A Robot’. Yet it’s the unknown tracks that pose the biggest surprise. ‘Shampain’ is a knock out start to the record with a thumping electronic beat to coincide with Marina’s quirky lyrics. ‘Girls’ tells a story of female empowerment and perception, while ‘Oh No!’ is an infectious little ditty about fame and success, written last-minute in LA while the record was being mastered.
The singer has drawn numerous comparisons to Kate Bush but the track ‘Numb’ full of organ, bell chimes and an angelic, soaring chorus is the only likeness. ‘Guilty’ also stands out for its emotional story paired with a thumping drum and bass backbone.
The album is a tale of honesty, fame, failure and fortune. The writing is relatable and resonant – we all have doubts, fears and opinions, Diamandis is just the one banking on them. Overall Marina has something to say and even better, something original to bring to the table. She’s creative, she’s wacky and she is damn good at what she does.
9/10
