MARSEILLE - review added 25th August 2010
Album Review: Unfinished Business (2010)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and one big party
Marseille released their first new material in nearly 3 decades last year. Their "Fourplay" EP was a fine taster for this full length album; boasting an upbeat retro hard rock sound and more energy than a nuclear powered whirling dervish. Unfinished business takes the ideas from that EP, improves them 10-fold, puts some attractive icing on top and serves them on a bed of gold-plated salad. This really is a very fine release.
The band these days consists of founder members Neil Buchanan and Andy Charters on guitar, Nige Roberts on vocals, Gareth Webb on drums and Lee Andrews on bass. You wouldn't know the line-up has come onboard in fits and starts. This album sounds like it was made by a band that's been together forever.
Marseille play a classic-influenced hard rock with big guitars, big rhythms, big vocals, and huge fun. They really do come across like the world's best party pub band - and I don't mean that in a derogatory fashion. Most albums are created to appease the artistic needs of the musicians involved. Unfinished Business was clearly created to be as much of a brilliantly fun listen as possible. The sound is a little rough around the gills, but it wouldn't work if it wasn't. That vaguely ragged charm is what makes Marseille's work so superbly. It makes for a massive album experience, but if you close your eyes you could be there in that hot sweaty bar rocking 'til your head fell off. Even laying there in the mortuary you'd still have a huge smile on your face.
The title track opens proceedings and it grabs the attention immediately. It's so anthemic it should come with a warning sticker. 'I Believe' is all about the bassline and the party vibe. 'Rock Radio', which features a lovely comedic DJ impression (something that should be used more in rock records), has a load of awesome Queen-esque guitars and monster vocals. 'Wanna Get High' is going to be a huge sing along favourite on the live stage. 'Lost' is a Def Leppard style ballad that gives the record a little pause for breath.
'Blown It' has a late 1980s ring to. A bit Tyketto maybe? 'Raise Hell' is perhaps the plainest song on the album, although it still has its charms. 'Everyone Dies Young' is much more like it, again a big sing along track. 'In For The Kill' has some cool harmonies and a fine, arguably darker vibe. 'The Game' boasts a cool Adam & The Ants drum section and a funky lead. It's a well judged end to the album.
Unfinished Business is a great release which really harks back to the way albums used to be made - focusing on the quality of the songs, not just the quality and smoothness of the production. Yes, it's a bit 'live', but that's exactly why it works so well. It really drawers you in and makes you feel part of the record. The publicity behind Marseille may focus on Neil and his old Art Attack TV show (and you can't blame them as it'll bring in loads of people who may have otherwise not taken any notice), but this is a band making music which deserves attention simply for how good it is. And Unfinished Business really is very good.
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. Unfinished Business
02. I Believe
03.
Rock Radio
04. Wanna Get High
05.
Lost
06. Blown It
07. Raise Hell
08. Everyone Dies Young
09. In For The Kill
10. The Game
Artist's website(s): Marseille | MySpace
