Formed in 2006, Hey Marseilles hail from the music rich city of Seattle, Washington. Now at six members, the band made their national debut in 2010 with the release of To Travels & Trunks, an album that was originally independently issued in late 2008. The album drew critical acclaim for its mix of folk, pop and rock music, and that mix is even more impressive on their second full length.
I first checked out Lines We Trace shortly after its release back in March and instantly fell in love as soon as the opening track "Tides" started. Awash in horns and strings, it is a gorgeous song with an equally lovely lyric. "I would trade 10,000 days for one more hour with you" particularly gets me every time. And you'll find this sea of strings flowing through most of the album's songs, with accordion added at times as well. There are even two instrumentals, the first released by the band, in "Madrona" and "Demian".
Chamber pop is as good a description as any to attach to the music on Lines We Trace with an emphasis on pop. Because, despite the wonderful string arrangements and Matt Bishop's way with words, these are mostly solid, melodic pop songs at their core. "Heart Beats", with tribal drumming and jangling acoustic guitars, is an obvious single choice, as are "Bright Stars Burning" and "Looking Back", all fantastic orchestral pop songs.
As would be expected with music so rich in strings, there are a number of fine ballads here as well, always something sure to catch my attention. At just over six minutes, "Cafe Lights" is the album's longest track, and another of its best. "Make your way back home again at a slow pace. Promise me from sound to sea you're mine always", Bishop sings on this heartfelt ode to love and home. "Elegy" is another stunning example of the depth of beauty to be found on Lines We Trace, another of 2013's must hear albums.
Favorite tracks: "Tides", "Cafe Lights", "Heart Beats", "Bright Stars Burning"
Lines We Trace was released March 5, 2013 on the Onto Entertainment label.
Official Website of Hey Marseilles
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