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Reviews - Delay & Depression
Zine: Synthpop.net
Origin: USA
Date: 2004-06-10
Rated: 90% |
| This is the debut album for Marina Sirtis, released in a agreement with Shadowplay Electronica in 2002, following up on the band's EP "View From An Intergalactic Star" in 2000. Before you ask, the band's name is the same as a actress' that plays a role on Star Trek: The Next Generation, yes, but the music is not anything like S.P.O.C.K.
Actually, upon listening to this album a few times it occurred to me that it's a little similar to Intricated's "A:void". Very atmospheric and moody at times, this album also sometimes reminds me of Condition One's "Mirror Of Liberation" album. While being very dark, several of these songs also bring in a orchestral element that I really enjoyed in Condition One's music and also really like here. Outstanding tracks were "Plain", "Pretending", "Essential Voices", "Berlin" and "The End", but the others were not far behind at all.
A excellent cd for fans of darker synthpop, I know this will be frequenting my stereo for a good long while. |
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Zine: Kinda Muzik
Origin: Netherlands
Date: 2003-11-26
Rated: No |
I do not dislike retro music, in fact not at all. The only thing with retro is, even as it is done in a good way or has some new elements to it, it is still just retro. Only a few bands make a difference when it comes to ‘old’ music. Marina Sirtis one of those bands. This Swedish synthpop group could be described as the electronic equivalent of Interpol. Just like that band Marina Sirtis knows how to make new music with typical 80’s sounds and atmospheres. And, just like Interpol this music is not new or state of the art, but it is played in a very convincing way and sounds intense.
The songs are in no way typical 80’s chart tunes. Almost all tracks are pretty slow and thus not very suitable for the dance floor. Due to this Marina Sirtis sounds more like a new wave band than a synthpop group. The only true dance tune, `Berlin´, is an instant hit. But, nicer are the more quiet songs like ‘Pretending’ and ‘Stranger in your eyes’.
Delay and Depression is stylish and timeless. Twenty years ago this would have been a very good record, but today it still is. |
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Zine: Yabbas World
Origin: Germany
Date: 2003-03-10
Rated: 95% |
The album from the Swedish band Marina Sirtis, that appears on the label Shadowplay Electronica, features 9 songs with tempos ranging from 83 bpm to 128 bpm. The album starts directly with a very beautiful and sentimental song and this feeling brings the listener through the whole production with songs like “plain”, “stranger than your eyes”, “red lip” and “belin”. The fantastic vocal makes an impression as well as the spectacular music that is delivered with wonderful synthesizer sound. One notices the very successful production that has been performed by the band members themselves. They have also written all the songs. The programming is made by Anders Larsson, Martin Löfgren and André Öberg and the vocal is performed by and Martin Löfgren and André Öberg. More info about the band can be found at www.marinasirtis.net or at info@marinasirtis.net.
Summation: A very recommendable and successful masterpiece and one can look forward to more from this band. |
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Zine: Synthpop Avenue
Origin: Greece
Date: 2003-02-26
Rated: No |
Do you remember Deana Troi from Star Trek series? Yes, that charming space doctor... For some reason Marina Sirtis have chosen the name of their band to be the same as the real name of that greek-origin actress! For another strange reason, they've chosen to put the Greek island Lesvos on the cover of their album!
Furthermore, they are members of these Greek forums (synthpopavenue.gr) and if these reasons are not enough for you to start searching about them, try their biggest and strongest one. Their music. So, let’s get to the point…Marina Sirtis is a Swedish synthpop group quite different from the other ones you might already know (Elegant Machinery, Kiethevez, etc). No more happy - shiny dancy synthpop. Marina's synths do not play easy-to-remember melodies but they create dark - atmospheric/melancholic soundscapes which can be better enjoyed in half light.. If I had to say what they remind me of... I would say something between Deine Lakaien (without the folk elements) and Endraum. Their compositions are minimalistic and PLAIN (just as the title of the 1st track on the album).
Martin Lofgren's vocal performance is special, sometimes theatrical, some other times lyrical or sarcastic.. and the lyrics… certainly interesting. The melancholic mood of their songs will not bring you down, neither does it become despair. It drifts you sweet from the very 1st track...."so i go out tonight,to look for confirmation in the beholder's eyes.." (plain)..one of my personal favourites..
"Den Tot" is a really interesting track with a thriller-like intro and a guitar which kinda brings in
mind the good old Cure days, while at "Red Lips" (i see some Attrition influences here..) Martin sneers : "I find you attractive as slave"…errr..c’mon now! We’re not puritans , right? You’ll love it!
And then "Berlin".. Probably the only track that could justify the term synth-pop (as far as the "pop" element is concerned). A groovy track which carries the romantic mood of the 80s - an invitation to dance - very nice and catchy!
I couldn't tell you that "Delay & depression" is the best album in the world, so "go buy it now" all of you. And this because it is a special album for special & unique moments. I just loved it! I found it very attractive. But as we’ve said before , different people - different perceptions, I suggest to everyone who’s reading this to visit their official site and listen to samples. You won't be disappointed! |
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Zine: Chain DLK
Origin: Italy
Date: 2003-02-20
Rated: No |
| It's quite long time that Marina Sirtis were about to release something new after "View from an Intergalactic Star" E.P. (please see the review into our archive). Finally with the nine tracks of DELAY AND DEPRESSION we're able to "judge" a litte better the band. Even if the music could fit the synthpop genre Marina Sirtis' music has got a certain dark vein that makes of it something particular respect the bands that embrace the 80's verb. First of all it's the first time (as far as I could remember) that I see the word "depression" into a synthpop release and this is quite indicative of the mood you can find on this CD. Tracks like "Essential Voices" or the following "Der Tot" have got a certain tension that you can feel since the first listening and this makes me realize that the band wrote and recorded these tracks being aware of their value. If I should try to define their sound I could hazard to name it as a sort of blend between the middle tempo tracks of Depeche Mode and Cure. This is restrictive but could give you an idea. The only thing it seems to lack is the rhythm variety because only "Pretending", "Berlin" and "The End" dismiss the introspective mood just to bring in more energy (and it's not a case that these are the tracks I prefer and "Pretending" could be a fabulous single, indeed). Anyway... this is a good album and a better mixing (the voice it's predominant respect the instruments) could improve the result making of Marina Sirtis a band with a wider following. |
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Zine: The Orignial Sin
Origin: Belgium
Date: 2003-02-19
Rated: No |
| "I don´t know how you found out, who you really are, but it was already too late when you got hit by a car" that´s Marina Sirtis for you. Apart from some synthpop tunes like "Berlin" it is music at its most dark. Cynical music even...music performed by people (well they are Martin Löfgren, Andre Öberg and Anders Larsson) who have seen enough to know what the world is all about : sad sad planet.... Is this debut album a celebration of miserabilism then? Not all, it´s all brought in a synthpop way but not like you used to hear it before. As if you have the imagination to think how New Order would sound like if they would have made a darkwave recording (think Clan Of Xymox) then it could have sounded like this. This Swedish trio made their album after the well received "View from an intergalactic star" that´s been released in 2000. This spring Marina Sirtis will tour Europe and this genius dark synthpop sound must certainly be an absolute must. The best synthpop album I've heard this year so far, simply as it is the sound from a band who have an own sound themselves and in a synthpop world that isn´t so logic as we know.... |
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Zine: Funprox
Origin: Netherlands
Date: 2003-02-17
Rated: No |
A new label, a new band and directly a shot in the bull's eye! I must confess that I was a bit sceptical, because synthpop groups from Sweden are normally not my thing, I prefer my tea a bit darker. But the music of Marina Sirtis (named after a Star Trek character) has really convinced me, and it sounds surprisingly mature for a new band. But they are not that new actually, they were formed in 1997 in Stockholm. In the year 2000 the band, consisting of Martin Löfgren (vocals, programming), André Oberg (vocals, programming) and Anders Larsson (programming), already released an EP, and they did various live shows so far.
The music is very pleasant to listen to, and I've have already done so numerous times over the last two weeks. Marina Sirtis demonstrates very good songwriting, with a few songs that really stay in your head, without aiming for easy success. Though the band calls itself a synthpop group, they are not that poppy, but rather atmospheric, warm and melancholic at times, partly through the lovely string sounds. The very good vocals are a major factor in making the music so convincing. The lyrics are often romantic, sometimes even erotic, with a few more introspective, moody texts. My favourite tracks are probably 'Den Tot', a nice catchy tune and 'Berlin', the absolute highlight and most uptempo song of the album, comparable to the best work of Wolfsheim and a potential clubhit. Most songs are not that danceable though, but follow a mid-tempo pattern, staying below 100 bpm. Apart from Wolfsheim, other references I would like to make are In My Rosary and Endraum. I really hope that Marina Sirtis will reach a broad audience, they deserve it! |
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Zine: Sound Base Online
Origin: Germany
Date: 2003-01-26
Rated: 58 % |
Since Covenant Sweden has been a name in the field of electronic music. The Swedish Trio Marina Sirtis do not intend to change that. More substantiate. Martin Löfgren (Vocals/Programming), Andre Öbberg (Vocals/Programming) and Anders Larson founded the Band in 1997 in Stockholm and dedicated their efforts to synthpop. In 2000 the first EP was brought out: “View from an intergalactic star”. This EP caused a little bit of stir on some European Webzines. After a year's work the Swedes now present their first album called “Delay and Depression” and it was worth the effort. The music is from an electro perspective quite cumbersome, more Wolfsheim alike, but also dreamily (“Den Tot”). Driving rhythm are seldom found, instead nice melodies and synth compositions with a beautiful melancholy touch. One point of criticism is the slightly poorly mixed vocals of Martin Löfgren. Tips include “Plain”, “Den Tot” and “Berlin”. In comparison with these songs the other songs on the album play a more secondary role. Yet an average fan of electronic sounds will still find some points of interests. It is questionable, whether Marina Sirtis will be able to distinguish themselves from the mass of electro music.
We will have to wait for the next album. Early this year one will be able to determine their “live abilities” on their European tour. Anyone who wants to find out more should visit the band's homepage: “www.marinasirtis.net”. |
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Zine: Music for the masses
Origin: Austria
Date: 2003-01-03
Rated: 100 % |
| Marina Sirtis (band-name taken from the actor-name of the Star Trek character Counselor Deanna Troi) now present their full length debut album "Delay and Depression" which comes with 9 tracks. Marina Sirtis make use of well selected synthesizer sounds that they put together just like puzzles - each sound depends on the other. The results are well done minimalist structures, which create a mystic, deep and warm atmosphere. The composed and straightforward singing fits well with the slow and dark musical background and reinforces the thrilling expression of the songs. Songs like "Pretending" and "Essential Voices" really give me chills as these songs seduce the listener to a world full of mysteries and you get the feeling of falling very deep into outer-space. With "Berlin" they also prove their skills for producing danceable and playful songs containing a smaller dose of mystical qualities. "Delay and Depression" is a great album that can easily enjoy. It's a perfect combination of sounds and singing. Well, I have to mention that it is not very suited for the dance-floor but it is capable of enhancing some quiet and lonely evenings. |
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Zine: Re-flexion
Origin: Germany
Date: 2002-12-08
Rated: 67 % |
Marina Sirtis are from Sweden and “Delay and Depression” is their first album. As the title suggests the electronic sounds of the band are quite cumbersome and heavy. Martin Löfgren, André Öberg and Anders Larsson break the mood in a pleasant way through elegantly placed melodies, which do not influence the
basic structure of the songs, but counteract the heaviness in a positive way. “Delay and Depression” incorporates nine songs that should be listened to during dark and cold weeks. In a psychologically unbalanced state of mind the CD is better left in the shelf. Otherwise Marina Sirtis' work being of high quality and will throw you deeper into depression. Throughout the entire record the basic mood does not change and that makes attentive listening quite strenuous and a little monotone. Especially track number five “Den Tot” deserves to be mentioned. It is perhaps the most depressing song on the album and contains besides the
English lyrics fragments of grammatically quite distorted German lyrics. As a summary the album can be said to be very electronic, dark and well produced. In the long run it perishes a little in it's own negativity. |
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Zine: E-lectric
Origin: Germany
Date: 2002-12-02
Rated: No |
| Even e-lectricer never stop to learn. After my review of this Band's Demo-CD a number of well-educated readers did not fail to comment on my stupidity with regards to Adventures of the Star ship Enterprise. Now even the stupid AndyMan knows: Marina Sirtis is not Greek shipping company, but the name of an actress that plays the role of Deanna Troi in the TV-series “Star Trek – The Next Generation”. Satisfied? After the galaxy now is at peace with my unawareness, we can move on to the first album of the Swedish synthpop band with the very same name as the actress in that very same TV-series. If I missed a catchy tune on “View from an Intergalactic Star”, Marina Sirtis now delivers one on “Delay and Depression”: “Berlin” has everything a good synthpop song needs: very good vocals, nice sounds and foremost a knock-over refrain. Beautiful melancholy, yet still the most “danceable” song on the album. Marina Sirtis have fitting to the second part of the album title directed their attention towards calm, dark and melancholy songs. This is accomplished in a very nice way. The dark and beautifully sad vocal harmonies, the ever-present gloomy and wavy background sound and the moody synth parts unit into a melange of synthpop and darkwave with a clear tendency towards the first. Anyone who misses the melancholy of Wolfsheim or Second Decay, should be happy with the nine tracks on “Delay and Depression”. Yet you need to hurry: The first edition is limited to 1000 copies. After a long time here comes again a top synthpop CD from Sweden! And if a band decides to call itself Patrick Stewart or Jonathan Frakes, you can be sure that I won't make the same mistake twice. |
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