Review: Anya Marina - Slow & Steady Seduction, Phase II (* * * 1/2)

The seed of Anya Marina's new album, Slow & Steady Seduction, Phase II, should attract some attention. On one fateful night in a bar in Burbank, she and Britt Daniel (of Spoon fame) were discussing music when Anya mentioned she hadn't been inspired to write much recently. She felt frustrated at her inability to write in the rhythmic style of her recent favorites like LCD Soundsystem and Public Enemy. Later, Daniel sent her a selection of beats and loops he had created which ended up inspiring a good deal (and the best) of Marina's new record, which features Daniel as producer for two tracks.

Even without knowing the story behind the music, it wouldn't be much of a stretch to compare Marina's music to that of Spoon, especially on songs like "Drop Dead Blues" and "Two Left Feet," which mix acoustic guitars with stomping percussion. It's a great sound to serve as the backdrop for Marina's sexy-yet-sweet vocal style and unconventional-yet-relatable lyrics. Highlights include the cocky swagger of "All The Same To Me," the first single, "Move You," and the perfectly restrained, "Vertigo." Marina maintains a sense of humor and a sharp wit throughout even as she deals with broken relationships and heartache.

Occasionally, Marina's confidence gets the best of her, as on "Afterparty At Jimmy's," a sleazy rocker which would feel more at home on a Pink record but just sounds awkward here. Most of the time, however, her quirkiness and expressiveness allow her to create something refreshing, fun, and all her own. Slow & Steady Seduction blends elements of folk and pop music in an unusual and exciting way that should turn some heads come December.

The album drops December 9th on Chop Shop, but you can download the song "Move You" for a sneak peek at my previous post here.


Anya Marina's MySpace

MP3 Monday: The Western States Motel, Paper Route, Anya Marina

It remains to be seen whether or not "MP3 Monday" will be a recurring feature, or if it will just be "MP3 [Insert Day Here]." Either way, enjoy not one, not two, but THREE free tunes.

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This first song is from a relatively new band called The Western States Motel, which only features one actual band member, Carl Jordan. Jordan's music is full of sunny keyboards, laid-back vocals, and a pure pop melodies. This song, titled "Oh World," is one of five catchy tracks from his recent EP titled Painted Birds Flying in the Orange Mirror Sun.

Also, if you're lucky enough to live in L.A., check out The Western States Motel each Monday at 9 p.m. for free at Spaceland.

Oh World


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Next up is another great tune from a band called Paper Route from Nashville, TN. Paper Route play driving, melodic indie rock reminiscent of Band of Horses and The Shins (or maybe a combination of the two). At any rate, this song from their July EP release, Are We All Forgotten, entitled "Empty House" is quite good. I have yet to hear the rest of the album, but it's on my "must listen" list..

Empty House


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Songwriter Anya Marina hails from California and has already had her music featured in popular television shows such as Grey's Anatomy (I've never seen it, I swear!). Recently she has collaborated with the likes of Britt Daniel (Spoon) to craft what, at first listen, appears to be an excellent pop record, Slow And Steady Seduction, Phase II, out December 9th.

Combining a very organic folk element with catchy pop melodies and her sexy, slightly raspy voice, Marina's lead single "Move You" is a fine example of her unique charm and obvious talent.

Move You