Demonstrates a growth in confidence and maturity from the band.
Back in Fireworks #48, when reviewing the Femme Metal Records compilation release ‘Melody And Malice’ I included the following: “Finally, I would like to mention another British band, London-based The Mariana Hollow TMH), fronted by Rebecca ‘Spinky’ Spinks (she of the dangerous eyebrows!), whose song ‘Your Halo’ really grabbed my attention. It is a moody number with a prog metal vibe and very distinctive vocals. They are an unsigned band – but I would suggest not for much longer!” Well, I now have their sophomore album (their debut ‘Coma Heart’ was released in 2010) and the aforementioned ‘Your Halo’ has been chosen as the lead single.
And I have to say right at the outset that I am rather impressed by this sophomore attempt, and now also having heard the debut as well, can confirm that ‘Black Velvet Sky’ demonstrates a growth in confidence and maturity from the band with a bigger overall sound and a more gutsy all-round performance. Indeed, I am rather amazed by the fact that they now sound somewhat similar to a favourite band of mine from the late 80s/early 90s – Concrete Blonde – on many of the songs, with vocalist ‘Spinky’ coming across as not too dissimilar from Johnette Napolitano – perhaps not so much with the lower notes, but certainly as regards her vocal swoops and soars. There is also a nod in the direction of Chrissy Hynde in her vocal stylings too. This marks TMH out as being somewhat different, I feel, from other gothically tinged bands with a female vocalist around at the moment.
The album commences with a lengthy intro (‘Before The Dive’) and unlike some albums where this is at odds with what the remainder of the album offers, here it provides a resonant and entirely appropriate lead into the ten tracks that follow. ‘Dead Reckoning’ flows straight from this and is a strong statement of intent to precede the aforementioned ‘Your Halo’. The gentle opening to ‘Stand Your Ground’ belies the intensity into which this amazing song develops. Other notable tracks include the lengthy and inspired ‘From Failing Hands’ where lead guitarist Danny Russell grabs the opportunity to stretch out, the similarly lengthy ‘The Line Of Fire And Blood’, a complex song that really demonstrates the band’s mettle both as writers and performers plus the dramatic ‘Weight Of The World’ that weaves moments of high intensity with more introspective moments.
Other songs here (‘Breathe’ for instance) are redolent of the debut, retaining the rather more laid-back and somewhat meandering approach that leads nowhere, and it is to be hoped that album #3 will build upon TMH’s newly discovered strengths and leave this sort of stuff behind.
‘Black Velvet Sky’ comes with a recommendation because it has a particular resonation for me; for the rest of you, I suggest sampling the tracks highlighted first.
Paul Jerome Smith
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