Marble Valley - Breakthrough (Album Review)
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Monday, 17 October 2011 |
Written by Ben Bland
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Although Marble Valley will no doubt become best known for their association with Pavement, through the legendary band’s drummer Steve West, they deserve attention if only for the remarkable process used to create this record. Recorded by a cobbled together, albeit renowned, bunch of performers before being put together by West, who plays vocalist in this project. Not that you would guess this process from listening to the record. 'Breakthrough' sounds like it was recorded by a well-oiled and cohesive unit, in fact it actually sounds a little too well-oiled.
 Whilst 'Breakthrough' is a moderately enjoyable listen, it is also a little predictable despite featuring a fair amount of variation. When things switch from dirty fuzzed guitar riffs to hyperactive synth leanings it is not so much surprising as just vaguely noticeable.
On this record Marble Valley play like a good rock and roll band with heavy influences from the world of folk, but even when they try and do the unexpected they stay within their rather clearly defined band parameters. Of course, this is all very strange considering the aforementioned manner of recording this album but it really smacks as being the case.
Essentially there just is not much about 'Breakthrough' to make it properly stand out. Whether that matters or not depends mostly on the listener. Marble Valley have made a record that is easy to listen to and enjoy but it is not an album that seems to do quite what it sets out to do.
'Breakthrough' is out on the 17th October through Sea Records. Marble Valley are on tour in the UK right now. NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
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