Marianas Trench : Astoria

Astoria is the fourth full-length album released from Canadian band Marianas Trench. Since their formation in 2001, they have been experimenting with their music and changing their style a little bit more with every release. The influences on Josh Ramsey, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley and Ian Casselman are far and wide, but the most prominently heard influence on Astoria is none other than The Jackson 5. It has been said in several interviews that singer Josh Ramsey has always loved Motown music and thinks very highly of The Jackson 5.

The album begins in true Marianas Trench fashion, giving their signature theatrical feel. The title track “Astoria” begins with a quiet drum beat playing through an overlay that progressively grows louder and louder. It is that theatrical tactic that builds tension and anticipation, leaving listeners begging for more. About two minutes into the song, another tactic that Marianas Trench loves and uses frequently, is a tempo change. Most bands stay away from tempo changes mid song, but this band welcomes them and makes them work in their favor. It’s a stylistic component seen throughout this album as they are expanding on the skill and crafting it to perfection. My favorite line in “Astoria” is “you know everything that happens, it happens in threes,” as they segue into their third tempo change for the track. It’s perfect!

The second track titled “Burning Up” is the best example from Astoria that showcases Josh experimenting with his voice. He sings the chorus of this song about an octave higher than everyone is used to hearing him. You can immediately hear The Jackson 5 vocal influence and surprisingly, it works! It doesn’t sound out of place for him to be singing higher than the other tracks and it flows well within the song. The other members of the band perfectly harmonize with Josh and they make this song work.

Throughout Astoria, you will hear the staples that make Marianas Trench the band they are. There is syncopation during several different tracks as they have always been musicians who try out a variety of rhythms to see what blends together. The steady​​ drumbeats are behind every track, even the slower ballads, driving each song with a particular and somewhat similar melody. This key component Marianas Trench uses further exemplifies their theatrical performance and delivery. It’s a craft they have mastered beautifully and it’s one of the concepts that make this album amazing. It is an album tied together from start to finish. They repeat the same phrases in multiple songs and of course they mention Astoria fairly frequently. All these components tie in to make this album the great success it will be.​

Astoria was released on Friday, October 23, 2015. If I were you, I would definitely pick it up and take a listen. Whether you are already a fan of Marianas Trench or someone looking for new music to listen to, you will not be disappointed. I promise you that this album is worth checking out! Marianas Trench will be touring this November in select cities across the United States with label mates Secret Someones. Go to their website to see if they’re coming to a city near you, and be sure to grab tickets!