A title that easily explains the album is something that is not only rare but is pretty much unheard of, and yet Drea & the Marilyns effortlessly showcases who they are with the release of their debut album, titled “Sad songs you can dance to.”. With a confirmed amount of nine tracks, the collection has been a project that initially started three years ago and struggled to find its way through the pandemic, but finally, it’s here. The release of the album acts as the follow-up to their 2021 single, “Levitating”.
Drea & the Marilyns, led by singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Drea Marilyn, is a captivating musical force originating from San Diego, California and now based in Seattle, Washington. With a sound reminiscent of artists like Feist, Norah Jones, and Fiona Apple, infused with a hint of bossa nova, Drea Marilyn’s earnest lyricism, catchy melodies, and mesmerising live performances have made her a standout in the music scene. The band, which includes Toni McGowan on keys, violin, and vocals, Nate Gniffke on trumpet, guitar, and vocals, Omz Velasco on bass, and Drew Shreve on drums, originated in Daejeon, South Korea, and draws influences from Filipino ballads, disco records, bossa nova, and punk rock. Together, Drea & the Marilyns released their debut EP titled ‘En Route’ in 2014, and their single ‘Moons’ was nominated for WomeninCharg3 in 2015. Their talent and unique sound have taken them on tours across South Korea, captivating audiences with their cross-cultural amalgamation. In January 2018, Drea Marilyn and her band had the opportunity to perform at The NAMM Show in Anaheim, further solidifying their presence in the music industry. With a blend of heartfelt songwriting, diverse musical influences, and an enchanting stage presence, Drea & the Marilyns continue to leave their mark on the music scene, captivating listeners with their distinct and impactful sound.
Recorded at Blue Flame Studio by Matt Clifford, Monroe, North of Seattle, the project really showcases Drea & the Marilyns’ style and atmospheric vibe, mixing jazz with ska and indie pop-rock to create an inspiring reflection album. The band wanted the project to be a collection of songs that were filled with the sounds and visions that they wanted, showing that they are just creating songs between friends. Layered around grief, struggling with mental health, and the importance of play, Drea & the Marilyns have truly dropped a unique and incredible debut studio album, “Sad songs you can dance to.”.
Stream “Sad songs you can dance to.” by Drea & the Marilyns on Spotify here:
The album starts off with the track “Paper Boats”, this indie-pop track really introduces the group’s album, with floating melodies and a gentle vocal backed with subtle harmonies, while a drifting progressive rhythm keeps the song structured alongside addicting guitar chords and strong drum beats. The track is about getting lost in a storm, and we certainly get lost in the track, submerging us into the depths of this aquatic indie pop-rock sound. “Jacaranda” follows next taking us into a free-spirited, fun-filled track that has strong guitar energy with backing drums that add heart to the entire piece. The lyrics delve into the sweetness of being in love and wanting to just run away with that person. “Bed of Ashes” is the third track on the album, and it brings a trumpet and cello beat to the forefront, showing Drea & the Marilyns’ brilliant versatility while the bright positivity washes over the listener. The track keeps the fundamental indie pop-rock from the group but mixes up the instrumentation and brings an experimental pop vibe to the entire collection. In doing so, it’s bright a classic style funk, giving it that retro feel.
The fourth track on the album is “Motions” which starts off with a gentle atmospheric vibe, as Drea Marilyn struggles with what she wants to say. The percussion melody is soft and heart-hitting, but when the chorus kicks in, so do the guitars and the drums, sending out a crashing sound as it all comes to a head, almost cross-relating with the lyrics of being unsure and bottling what you want to say up until it crescendoes and explodes. Following next is “Wicked Voices”, which surprises us from the very start as a kazoo kickstarts the melody. Following on from that melody and building on it with awesome guitar vibes and some gorgeous vocals, as soon as the chorus hits we can feel how much the band is holding back to make sure they craft something beautiful and they sure have done that as the track develops, guaranteed to get stuck in one’s head. “Spicy Talk” is next, which is a teasing track all about doing something that you really shouldn’t. She’s being guided by a bad influence, while trying to avoid trouble, with incredibly crafted lyricism. Probably the best vocal from the entire album, this track has a believable soul and relatable connectivity with the audience. Addictive indie pop-rock at its finest.
Next up is “Rocky Shores”, which pulls the vibe down deep into indie-rock with the bass whilst still maintaining its stripped-back style. A ballad that stands out on the collection of tracks for all the right reasons, this track delves into how there isn’t anything here for them as she details how there’s emptiness around rocky shores, metaphorical and literal. The track has a break-up sadness about it, almost like the band has come to a realisation that there’s more out there, and in turn, makes this an inspired track allowing listeners to believe in themselves. “Sun & Moon No. 2” is actually Drea & the Marilyns taking a previous track that they have released and instead rereleasing it in the style that they originally intended for it to be. A sombre orchestrated production comes from Phil Peterson, bringing a heart-aching instrumentation that links brilliantly with Drea Marilyn’s gorgeous vocals and the stunning piano keys, as the track’s lyrics delve into the complexities of a long-distance Relationship. A beautiful, unforgettable, violin ends the entire track The final track on the album is “Valentine”, which ends the album with a soulful indie pop-rock number that has a two-step country and folk vibe to it. Showing off more of their versatility, this short track is certain to make you move due to the addicting rhythm and undeniable conviction and authenticity in the vocals and lyrics.
Stream “Spicy Talk”, our favourite track from the album, on Spotify here:
“Sad songs you can dance to.”, by Drea & the Marilyns, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Wizard Fish Records.