Florida's Denison Marrs has bided its time for about seven years now, and at press time they are still biding. But at least they are productive as they possess their souls. World Renown for Romance is a self-produced album that doesn't sound self-produced. In fact, the mix is incredible. John Bucklew's drums sound like they are in the room with you, and the guitar tones decorate his sentient beats like Christmas lights, except for when they are out front, passive aggressively taking the songs over for trademark DM crescendos.
Like the songs on their 6x6 (R.I.P.) release, Holding Hands, these songs soar, in that U2 plays Mare Vitalis way, but this time with a cryptic Cure-like element to their song writing. Not to mention a new and surprising swagger. Eric Collins carries a lot of the sultry attitude with his sensitive-but-very-secure bedroom voice, but it is Bucklew and his aforementioned beats that create the smooth, candlelight and wine grooves found in songs like "Love and Its Grand Scheme," "(I Have You) Memorized," which is like a modern "Song of Solomon," and especially "Let's Dance," a new wedding reception / honeymoon tradition for all the good Christian boys and girls waiting on fate to consummate.
Their very pure, godly expressions of romantic love are fused intimately with their faith (not that romantic love isn't a beautiful part of our faith on its own merit, God being the Creator of girl-boy love and all, but you know what I mean), making for songs that tap into deep thoughts of love, fear, and passion. This album is highly recommended for lovers, priests, and stodgy stick sitters.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by John WilsonDenison Marrs' latest record, World Renown For Romance, wanders through a dozen musings about life, love, and other mysteries, stopping to linger on the 'love' part. Some of the songs move straight through, with Collins passing rapidly from verse to chorus and back again, but most meander through a haze of fuzz and drifting guitars. Denison is probably the closest thing to a Radiohead clone in…Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Brett MiottiRight away you'll notice a different Denison Marrs than on their last full length, "Holding Hands @ 35,000 Feet". But boy oh boy is it a nice change. On "World Reknown for Romance," these fine gents take what was so promising from the first long player and mold it into something beautiful! While Denison Marrs retains their knack for creating dreamy textures and sounds they have learned to tap…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisI've heard many bands on the verge of breaking up say that the whole grind of touring and recording just isn't worth it anymore. The long nights, low pay, and sheer stress of the music business can be enough for anyone to throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Denison Marrs is one of those bands that fits the above explanation. The fact that their record label went bankrupt, leaving them…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt's obvious to whom Denison Marrs owes their musical debts--Sunny Day Real Estate, Stavesacre and the Smashing Pumpkins, among others--but they've still managed to craft a semi-original take on emo with World Renown For Romance, their second full-length record and their first on Velvet Blue. Their version of the truth is anthemic, vaguely self-righteous, and alternately thick and thin, as twangy…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThere are a small number of bands that are making good, original-sounding alternative music these days. The bands don't get near the recognition that they deserve. Bands like Pedro the Lion, Starflyer 59, TwoThirtyEight, and now Denison Marrs. Denison Marrs has been hiding out in Florida for a few years, playing shows and releasing some music, but only in limited numbers. Now, with the new…Similar sounding releases
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