The Chronicles of Marnia

AlbumMar 19 / 201310 songs, 32m 51s
Math Rock Noise Pop Math Pop
Popular

If the previous albums of Marnie Stern showcase her eccentric guitar genius, then *The Chronicles of Marnia* thrusts her unconventional songwriting into the spotlight. The set unfolds like a neon-splashed labyrinth, its path winding through deliriously fizzy underground rock (“Year of the Glad”) and ebullient bursts of hyper-melodic art pop (“Still Moving”). Of course, there’s plenty of her trademark finger-tapping—it’s all over the seesawing “East Side Glory”—only this time around, it serves as a compositional counterpoint to her otherworldly chirps and peeps.

8.0 / 10

Marnie Stern's fourth album is an extension of the transition that began on her 2010 self-titled record toward a more controlled, subdued sound. Marnia is still aggressive, busy, and bright, but new drummer Kid Millions gives it a welcome sway, and the relative calm lets Stern's vulnerability shine through.

F

After two records of chaotic, sprawling displays of fretboard fireworks, Marnie Stern struck the right balance of shredder bombast and relative accessibility on 2010’s self-titled effort.  Follow-up The Chronicles Of Marnia (a title that is either bad, or wonderfully bad) continues down that softer and straightforward…

7 / 10

The strength of those songs is the most impressive thing about the album: quite something considering Stern’s flabbergasting skill on the electric guitar.

7.6 / 10

Where Marnie Stern’s deeply wistful self-titled 2010 album was inspired by the death of a beloved ex-boyfriend, whose ghost…

Check out our album review of Artist's The Chronicles of Marnia on Rolling Stone.com.

UK-based music magazine bringing you music news, reviews, features, interviews and more

With Marnie Stern’s signature sound long honed to a tee, Chronicles of Marnia sees the voyage of this born shredder take a turn for the less frenetic. Though still rooted in jaw-dropping fretwork, the intensity has shifted down a gear, and the relative lightness is flattering.

6 / 10

7.0 / 10

Denizens of the Internet launched the word "epic" squarely into overuse territory, but with your permission, reader, I'd like to reclaim it to discuss The Chronicles of Marnia.

8 / 10

The Chronicles of Marnia is Marnie Stern’s most accessible album to date.

7 / 10

40 %

Album Reviews: Marnie Stern - The Chronicles of Marnia

80 %

2.5 / 5