Crazy, sexy and cool like no other (despite her obvious Kate Bush influences) Marina and the Diamonds’ The Crown Jewels EP is a fresh, multi-layered mini intro to the Welsh will-be powerhouse. Marina Diamandis’ stunning vocals and clever lyrics are the first thing you notice, which is followed shortly afterwards by a desire to listen to her songs again and again.
The blend of keyboard ballad with a new wave electro style works well on I Am Not a Robot, the driving force of the EP. It undulates along with beautifully designed pop tones and the video is pure genius (see above). The electro takes over for the song’s second outing on the EP (The Starsmith 24 carat remix) and although everything in between isn’t quite as sublime, the four tracks are an excellent introduction to an exciting singer songwriter.
Seventeen and Simplify clearly set out her disenfranchisement with her past life and devotion to putting together a new focus for herself. I don’t think she has much to worry about though, Marina and the Diamonds is set to take the music scene by even more storm than it already has and with her debut album out early next year, 2010 could see her knocking the crap out of the the singles top 10 chart.
Marina & The Diamonds The Crown Jewels EP review: 4/5
