Diving the Wreck

evan Smith and his Involve label are fronting up with some pretty interesting releases in 2004, moving away from the more electronic nature of early releases towards a more "indie' based aesthetic, and the new effort from Wellington outfit MarineVille further emphasises this shift.

Originally scheduled for a 2002 release (following on from their 2001 debut 'Ready For The Dance'), all but two of the songs from the 2002 sessions were ultimately scrapped as this four-piece outfit sought to define and develop its sound. The resulting album is certainly worth the wait, although taking a "simpler" direction 'Diving The Wreck' serves to define the apparent contradictions in the bands sound while skilfully retaining focus - the abrasive two-guitar "no-wavish" Television-like attack is still to the fore (check out the stunning "Lets Build A House"), however lush sonic textures now impregnate their music to create attractive "indie" soundscapes which are equal parts delicate and dissonant.

An outstanding expansive indie-alternative album, and one that stands equally against similar international works, 'Diving The Wreck' is true testament to the fact that sometimes the good things just take a little longer. Recommended.

POSTED BY Mark ON 20 November 2004