Marina Rocks – S.O.S. Texas
Once again, this native-Texan incendiary artist continues her high-octane, boogie-fueled, Americana country-rock & innovative performances with her 3rd studio LP. There’s nothing offensive or radical, but Marina digs deep & often succeeds with her statements, practical ways & relatable topics.
While some may think this set is by an artist that’s using a gimmick it’s more about how she’s creating a clever image with authenticity. There’s no novelty in evidence here, nothing campy. Marina Rocks has a peculiar moniker but like there’s a big difference between Kid Rock & Monty Rock, Marina’s the Rock that’s in-between. She brings a formidable edge that’s entertaining & she can play.
The instrumental “I Don’t Know” is an intriguing guitar interlude on her self-produced made in Houston, TX 9-track S.O.S. Texas (Drops April 4/Independent/39:06). The songs aren’t mediocre & Marina always sounds committed & inspired. It’s a seriously oriented, charmingly polished showcase. Nothing juvenile or elementary. Ms. Rocks’ instincts are good throughout & summons a natural blend from an old genre.
Marina starts with the infectious “It’s All Messed Up,” with distinctive vocals in a well-articulated Lucinda Williams mode. However, Marina’s voice is far smoother & never loses the urgency & authority that her R&R voice possesses. The lead guitar, while not complicated or edgy serves its purpose with persistence as it spills forth like a gallon of water in rockabilly splashes.
Even more Lucinda-like is “One More Song” & its rewind version — but only through tone & phrasing. A good ear-tugger. Despite the rock sizzle Marina often applies an effective haunting country vocal technique with songs like “S.O.S.” Superb with its noirish arrangement. Marina manages to kick things along through eerie guitar notes, handclaps & a Blasters-like penetrating melody. She adds a Johnny Bond-type (“Hot Rod Lincoln”) narrative to the song. Nice touch.
Then comes “The Hollywood Sign,” a beautiful cocktail lounge atmospheric testament with harmonica break & a voice no longer country or rock but effectively & dramatically easy listening. The late Dory Previn had a song about the sign in 1972 (“Mary C. Brown & the Hollywood Sign”). Far darker — about the place where an aspiring actress jumped from the sign. “Mind’s Eye” (at its conclusion) & even the impressive “Starlight” (instrumental) are more of a Grateful Dead jam. Good stuff. Whereas “Slap Happy” has a more melodic & appealing structure with excellent musician interplay.
All things considered, one of the year’s best. Marina still rocks.
Highlights – “It’s All Messed Up,” “S.O.S.” “The Hollywood Sign,” “I Don’t Know,” “One More Song,” & the rewind version, “Mind’s Eye,” “Slap Happy,” & “Starlight.”
Musicians – Marina (guitar/vocals/drums/keys/percussion/bass), Lloyd Maines (acoustic guitar/mandolin/acoustic slide/bass), Alex Rodriguez (fretless bass), Aden Buebeck (bass), Pat Manske (percussion) & Gary Weldon (chromatic harmonica).
Color images courtesy of Dee Hill Photography. CD @ Apple & Amazon + https://www.marinarocks.com/home
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Interview: Marina Rocks on the Diversity of Texcentric
