Marnie Stern - Marnie Stern
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There are no two ways around it: Marnie Stern’s new self-titled album is inescapable. From the initial moments of chaotic guitar and drums to the gentle fadeout that closes the album, it’s one wild ride. Stern runs, not walks, that line between chaos and harmony. Apparently produced during a particularly difficult time in her life, Marnie Stern is certainly a rollercoaster of emotion, a reflection of good in bad and bad in good. It’s a relentless powerhouse that proves Stern is more than an adept guitarist, she’s also a capable songwriter.
The key element of the album’s overall success is Stern’s guitar work. It’s one thing to hide behind a bunch of flashy guitar work, it’s another to coax a wide array of expressions out of the instrument. Stern manages to muster pop hooks with serious guitar chops, the kind that would be head-splitting for some players to attempt and reproduce. She draws more emotion out of her guitar than most singers get out of their voices. What’s more, Stern is a thoughtful arranger, displaying careful consideration for the power of layering.
