Marla Mase – A Brief Night Out
Marla Mase has recently released her album, A Brief Night Out, which is the story of a woman going through a nervous breakdown, exploring her place in life.
Marla Mase | A Brief Night Out
The album is best taken in the whole context. While individual tracks stand up to scrutiny, to miss the complete experience of A Brief Night Out – the story of a Middle-aged woman re-assessing her whole existence.
Opening with Things That Scare Me, a scene setter for the album. An off-beat reggae number, which shines with a strength of song-writing capability. The track swathes through Jamaican beats, while introducing some Indian melodies and even a nod to the Spice Girls, as the music identifies with the central character of the album. Some-one on the edge of a nervous breakdown. A clever track to open the release.
Texted, continues the theme of uncertainty, was that a real text, or as the ending suggest, merely a fantasy? Waffled electronica flows throughout the track as the lyric poses it’s diatribe.
Changing the tempo to an ever more disconcerted mood, Exquisite Drops, is riven with raced violin set to a tempo of the incessant voice of the Psychiatrist and a steady beat of dripping water. An extraordinary piece of composition, which delivers on every level.
I Fell in Love (Woman) is a soliloquy set to the scene of the central character which sends me to a scene – ‘Woman’ sitting on her own in a dimly lit café reflecting with a glass of wine, of love and hate.
The Rock number DFWME does exactly as it says on the tin. A strong emotional response to the opening tracks as the central character fight back. Again a great example of the way Marla Mase gets under the skin of what she is trying to portray.
Heading on to a Step or Two, A Brief Night Out continues with a step change to a sun-lit track reminiscent of 60′s pop, with some cleverly crafted flat notes which add an emotional twist in keeping with the album.
That Wall bounces male and female vocals against instrumentation to great effect. An atmospheric track, fighting to get outside the imprisonment of mundanity.
The acoustic guitar and open spaces of Gaping Hole are once again on the spot with the sentiment. This is an exemplary composition. There are too few writers who can match the structure of a lyric with the tempo and overall composition. If for this track only Marla Mase would be a superb addition to the Indie Bands Blog.
Lily Pad, has me reaching forcomparisons, albeit continents apart, Rajashtan Roots, as traditional folk is melded with country.
Heading towards the end of the release. The Penultimate track I’m Done sees the feisty character return. The overlayed core lyrics are a neat step, which add much to the track.
Finishing with RHM (Rockin’ Hot Mase) a tidy rock and roll conclusion to a well crafted release.
Available as a digital download or CD from the Indie Bands Blog store.
Join our facebook page for more of the best indie music from around the world.
