Marla Mase – Infinite They Went
This Marla Mase showcase arrived as vinyl & it’s pristine sounding. Wonderful to hear that impactful aura again when a good cartridge hits the groove & unleashes the miraculous music contained within.
These are 11 songs written by Ms. Mase (vocals/string arrangements) & Tomas Doncker with one cover by the late Lou Reed which makes this listening compelling. It starts with entertaining musical intensity. Mase has a good theatrically-oriented voice & projects with authority. The songs (“Things That Scare Me”) are arranged for maximum visuals even when there is no visual during a mere listen to the album.
Infinite They Went (Drops Jan 31/True Groove Records) is Marla’s 9th — produced by Tomas (guitars/bass/keys/vocals) with James Dellatacoma (guitars/bass/vocals/programming). Mase applies a good application of backup singers & groove intensified music. She has a somewhat Christine Ohlman approach (“The Deep End”) that’s evident with the effects-loaded ballad “Falling Sideways” which was produced smartly with cleverness & not foolishness. Mase covers several bases through her music & gets wildly funky & beat-heavy on “All Fall Short” which has a Debbie Harry (Blondie) rocking thrust. Quite creative.
With “A Gun,” Mase brilliantly cruises into the late Mary Weiss territory (The Shangri-Las) since that classic ‘60s girl group often explored dark subjects. Darker than many female groups of that era. They managed to have hits like “Leader of the Pack” & “Dressed In Black.” A group that influenced the late Amy Winehouse & Lana Del Rey.
Mase’s vocals are also exceptional. She doesn’t come across as a novelty act or campy. It’s her authoritative tone, range & propulsive approach to an older genre that smokes. She simply makes it all sound — brand new. She’s a singer who captivates with her affirming vocal expertise. Some songs, despite her vocal strength, provide a vulnerable juvenile charm which makes the songs sound even more plausible. Her balladry is just as potent as her big production numbers. Proving her diversification with a viable cover of the Lou Reed chestnut “Satellite of Love.”
Some lyrics, not all, could stand a little less cliché rhyme obsession (“Always”) to bring the quality of the words up to the level of the majority of the fine music & performances.
Highlights – “Things That Scare Me,” “Falling Sideways,” “All Fall Short,” “A Gun” & “Satellite of Love.”
Musicians – Tomas & James are joined by Mark Henry (percussion/vocals/keys/sax) & Leroy “Lefty” Thompson (drums/Leftronics). Also featured: Josh David (bass/electric & upright bass/vocals), Kevin Jenkins (bass/keys/string arrangement), Booker King & Mike Griot (bass), Mike Faulkner, Tobias Ralph, James Coley & James Sedge (drums), Mac Gollehon (horns/horn arrangement/announcer voice), Manu Koch (keyboards), Marika Hughes (strings), Alan Grubner (strings/string arrangement), MC ½ pint (rap), Touchy Feely (vocals) & Heather Powell (bgv).
A lyric sheet is enclosed with the vinyl release. Color image with hat courtesy of Patrick Hilaire. CD @ https://www.marlamase.com/music