The term ‘Indie’ has been used to describe many different types of music from ‘Indie dance’ to ‘Indie rock’, collectively being more of a spirit or thought, rather than an actual set in stone genre unless, you are one of the pretentious pricks who bang on about indie being about record labels whilst licking Dinosaur Jr’s feet.
Hailing from New Zealand, Marlins Dreaming have been knocking about since 2017 consisting of Semisi Ma’ia’I (vocals and guitar), Oscar Johns (bass), Hamish Morgan (drums) and De Stevens (guitar). Gaining critical acclaim from the likes of Clash and NME for their three previous efforts as well as Complex stating their debut was “exciting, Intoxicating.” They have toured with Dope Lemon, The Chills and Kirin J Callininan as well as having their own sell out Australia tour.
‘HIRL’ seems to lean into the pop sensibilities with Ma’ia’I stating “Musically this has meant we are no longer afraid of the pop elements; big climaxes, high production value, and not being afraid to make it sound flash and not super distorted.”
‘Hello, my dear’ shows the vocals in all its glory with a simple beat to push it through. The acoustic guitar acts like a guide for the delicate nature similar to what Elliot Smith achieved.
The muting of the strings on ‘Lucky star’ creates a suspense before a woman’s voice welcomes us in. The rhythm section is more complex compared to previous. The song conveys warmth and optimism or like it could be off ‘When we were friends.’
The vocal effect on ‘Country plains’ are like Sufjan Stevens which evokes sadness which the backing vocals expand. The music is very simple allowing the vocals to strive. The piano is welcomed edition whilst the harmonica gives a Dylanesque feel.
The duet nature of ‘Earnestly’ is beautiful, both voices combining and harmonising whilst consoling each other. The guitar work is powerful yet allows the vocals to breathe without feeling overbearing. The rhythm section knows what the songs need without over complicating which only the best can do.
The guitars on ‘Every single time’ run away with themselves and intertwine throughout the rhythm system which again knows what it’s doing which is a caricature of Mac De Marco.
As an album, each song flows into each other and work as a unit with some sometimes sounding similar to each other but as they are done well it doesn’t feel a burden. The rhythm section is the backbone of every song allowing the guitars to flourish, the vocals are strong throughout never wavering. ‘Earnestly’ is easily my favourite on the album every member of the band at their strongest and Erny Belle holds her own which isn’t always easy on someone else’s record. The first half of the record is stronger than the latter but so is ‘Abbey Road’ so just cause its stronger shows how good the others are. A great effort showing development.
Marlin’s Dreaming: HIRL – Out 16th August 2024
Dreaming – Earnestly (feat. Erny Belle) (youtube.com)
