:: Marina & the Diamonds - The Family Jewels

Marina & the Diamonds

Marina & the Diamonds is the recording name of Welsh-born London-based singer-songwriter Marina Diamandis. ‘The Family Jewels’ is her debut album. Diamandis has recently been collaborating with producer Benny Blanco and guitarist Dave Sitek in Los Angeles on new material which she describes to be "a really great opportunity for me as a songwriter. Marina has already come a long way. Only six months ago she was playing to a half-empty audience at the Leeds Festival. At the end of 2009, she was named the runner-up in the BBC‘s Sound Of 2010 critics poll as they foresee the future stars of the coming year. One-woman bands with curious names are pretty in vogue right now. Marina's singles throughout 2009 showcased a genuine new talent, with Obsessions and Mowgli's Road becoming two pop music highlights of the year. The buzz ensured that debut album The Family Jewels is one of the year's more eagerly awaited releases. On first listen it could be felt as a wild concoction, dizzily spinning from quirky theatrical pop at one turn to heartfelt ballads the next. Marina's voice may divide people - she takes a theatrical bent to her vocals - making sure to enunciate every word in a manner that could become a bit grating. However, I like what I hear. There is plenty of cheek and catchy tunes to help establish Marina as a real pop star. Tracks like 'Oh No’, ‘Shampain’ and ‘Hollywood’ are all infectiously catchy and have enough depth not to be dismissed lightly. There are occasions where her vocal talent is slightly let down by the musical compositions and which mark down the album a little. But there's enough promise here to carry her through the hype. Marina is a unique performer who is determined to set her own agenda and, accordingly, attracts great appeal.