MARILYNN – Back Where You Belong (2012)

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MARILYNN was one of the first German bands at the other side of the Berlin Wall to play Melodic Hard Rock.

Founded in Berlin in early 1987 by guitarists Christopher Oliver and Andrew Schwichtenberg, they wanted to rock in the style of Europe, Treat and Fate. They played in various festivals and venues, even recorded a pre-production demo but disbanded due internal troubles.

Marilynn returned in 1999 and continued doing gigs in their home country, and now was the time for their debut album after 25 years; “Back Where You Belong”.

The album’s title and cover stating ‘100% authentic retro sound of the ’80s’ gives you the prime idea of what this is about; Melodic Hard Rock inspired by the glorious decade.

The band ensures that the disc was recorded in the old school way, ‘without the modern technical frippery like Pro Tools or alike’.

Very laudable from the start, and indeed the spirit of eighties resonates in allthis material, from the compositional structures to the overall sound and feel.

Marilynn goes for catchy, straightforward Melodic Hard Rock with good melodies and the classic counterpoint of strong guitars and ever present keyboard fills, remembering the aforementioned bands with a touch of an American influences on some tracks.

The strongest songs are the melodic rocker opener “Could This Be Love”, the emotional German AOR of “This Is Paradise”, the intense “Hide Your Love”, the catchy stadium rocker “Can’t Stay Alone’ and the melodic “Nighttime (Is The Right Time To Rock)”.

There also good moments in the title track “Back Where You Belong” (although the chorus is a bit repetitive), the slightly harder “Let Us Rock” and the midtempo AOR of “Tables Are Turned”.

As said, Marilynn’s intentions are truly lovable, bringing back the ’80s Melodic Hard Rock essence in its purest form both in style and sound.

Songwriting is strong and consistent, while the music is delivered with tight musicianship. But I don’t like the vocals for the most part.

Originally Marilynn used to have an anglo-saxon singer, now Christopher Oliver handles the vocals. His technique is rather weak and although on some songs works, it does not make justice to these tunes.

Same with production, obviously a labor of love but I would like it a more crispy sound, a staple for this style.

Anyway, “Back Where You Belong” leaves a very positive impression as a whole, making it clear that classic Melodic Hard Rock / AOR is still alive & kickin’.

01 – Could This Be Love

02 – Back Where You Belong

03 – This Is Paradise

04 – Hide Your Love

05 – Can’t Stay Alone

06 – Hearts Afire

07 – Dream On

08 – Let Us Rock

09 – Nighttime (Is The Right Time To Rock)

10 – Don’t Call It Love

11 – Tables Are Turned

12 – Lay It On

13 – Hearts Afire (different solo) [bonus]

Oliver Christopher (Vocals, Guitar)

Andreas Schwichtenberg (Guitars)

Michael Dobbertin (Bass)

Andreas Hoyer (Keyboards)

Thomas Parchem (Guitars)

Ingo Cress (Drums)

BUY IT !

itunes.apple.com/us/album/id512267272