Islands

by The Mary Onettes

Overview

The Mary Onettes' second album is a marked improvement over their debut. That self-titled record had an icy synth pop sound that did little to help the songs come to life; the few that did hit were so in thrall to the band's obvious heroes, Echo & the Bunnymen, that it was almost embarrassing. Islands has a much warmer sound, with the jagged beats and cold keyboards replaced by warm strings and softer, more epic-sounding percussion. The arrangements are fuller, richer, and more organic as well. Vocalist Philip Ekstroem cuts back a bit on the Ian McCullough croon, just a bit, but enough to make it less obvious who he's cribbing his style from. The reduction of affectation adds extra emotional power to his singing and makes it expressive and effective, instead of jarring. Islands is truly an emotion-packed record filled with missed connections, failed plans, heartbreak, and death. ~ Tim Sendra

Product Details

Release Date:	06/07/2024
Label:	Imports
UPC:	7320470270127
Rank:	72166

Album Credits

Performance Credits

The Mary Onettes   Primary Artist
Majja Sahlin   Vocals (Background)
Hanna Maria Backvall   Vocals (Background)
Ebba Sahlin   Vocals (Background)
Sara Martensson   Vocals (Background)
Agnes Evertsson   Vocals (Background)
Isa Almgren   Vocals (Background)
Karin Hagstroem   Strings
Lina Molander   Strings

Technical Credits

Simon Fransson   Group Member
Petter Aguren   Group Member
Philip Ekstroem   Arranger,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Group Member
Henrik Ekstroem   Arranger,Engineer,Producer,Group Member
Bjorn Engelmann   Mastering
The Mary Onettes   Composer
Erik Broheden   Mastering
Petters Erik Eriksson   Artwork