The Mariana Hollow - Scars, Not Wounds EP
The Mariana Hollow - CD Review
Scars, Not Wounds EP
2013
Self-Released
United Kingdom
5 tracks
English lyrics
One of the toughest challenges a band can face is replacing a key member. The Mariana Hollow found this out in 2012 when lead guitarist / songwriter / producer / founding member Danny Russell left the band. However, the UK alternative metallers didn’t stay idle. They recruited guitarist Gabriel Moreira and returned to their local gig circuit within a few months’ time. They also started working on new material, with Moreira contributing. So, with a new musician and songwriter onboard, has TMH’s unique sound changed? The answer comes in the form of the band’s latest release, the five-track EP Scars, Not Wounds. (Click here to watch a 30-minute “behind-the-scenes” documentary of the making of this EP, with interview cameos from friends and fans including yours truly.)
The Mariana Hollow have called Scars, Not Wounds a “rebirth” rather than a departure. That’s an appropriate choice of words. You’ll still hear the band’s signature blend of twin guitars, powerful rhythms, Rebecca “Spinky” Spinks’ distinctively gritty and emotional vocals, and an overall dark and melancholy vibe. The nuances, contrasts, and progressive leanings still surface as well. However, TMH chose to go in a more vocal-driven approach with this EP. So while Moreira and Richie Walden’s dynamics still drive the music, they take a step back this time to give Spinky more room to shine.
The slower tracks on Scars, Not Wounds reveal what’s changed and what hasn’t. “The Unburned” prowls around with gravity in its riffs and a thick sultriness we’ve never heard before from The Mariana Hollow. Spinky sings with the passion of a storyteller as she relates the life of Danaerys from the Song Of Fire And Ice books. Midtempo rocker “Sanzu” flows effortlessly even with an unusual time signature for the verses. The lyrics and Spinky’s careful delivery give the song a gentle sadness that intensifies with the chorus. The short instrumental “Adrift” also carries a rainy-day feel that’s reminiscent of the band’s old material while fitting in with the new.
No TMH record is complete without uptempo tracks, and Scars, Not Wounds offers two. The title track opens with ringing guitar lines reminiscent of late-90’s Anathema, then races off with urgency and Spinky’s incensed vocals. The Mariana Hollow also throws in two different elements on this song: growled backing vocals from drummer Adam Stanley during the final chorus, and the clanging of a cowbell. “Don’t Lose Your Head” also features the percussion instrument, giving the song’s bridge a foot-tapping beat. But although this number is fast-paced, the music feels relaxed, even lazy. It’s not bad, but TMH have written more exciting songs than this one.
My only other criticism for Scars, Not Wounds is that while I enjoy the EP, it lacks the breathtaking impact of The Mariana Hollow’s previous releases, Coma Heart and Velvet Black Sky. Even though the old and new material blend together very well, band classics such as “Come Undone,” “Second To None,” and “Your Halo” are more attention-grabbing and feature more commanding hooks than anything from Scars, Not Wounds. Also, on a personal level, Coma Heart and Velvet Black Sky hold more meaning for me. Both records came to me at difficult points in my life and offered comfort and escapism. Scars, Not Wounds, on the other hand, arrives at a much calmer and happier time in my life. So it doesn’t have the chance to serve the same purpose for me as the albums (yet). Then again, it’s impossible to measure a five-track EP against a full-length album that’s twice as long and has more to love.
Nevertheless, The Mariana Hollow should be proud with what they’ve accomplished on Scars, Not Wounds. They’ve found a replacement guitarist whose style complements the band’s and who contributed to a solid collection of songs. In addition, they’ve begun to evolve their sound by inching in a direction that doesn’t stray far from their roots, not by leaping across a canyon and possibly alienating fans. And for the most part, that new direction is one of promise. Apparently The Mariana Hollow have already written enough songs (or close to it) for what would be their third full-length album. If that next CD maintains the band’s consistent track record, TMH still have a good shot at cracking the ever-fickle metal industry and spreading their music to the wider audience they deserve.
8.5 / 10
Best Songs: “The Unburned,” “Scars, Not Wounds”
For fans of The Mariana Hollow’s previous releases as well as Anathema, Katatonia, Lacuna Coil, The Gathering, and Flowing Tears
Scars, Not Wounds is available for purchase directly from The Mariana Hollow through their BandCamp page or webshop, or as digital downloads through iTunes and Amazon.
