Album Notes

Marionette is a five member collective from Richmond, VA. Consisting of art students, jazz musicians, friends and one NYC transplant. Often intimidating other bands from the amount of stage equipment used alone, these guys have joined together to present something larger than their own previous solo ventures.

Seen in Richmond as drummer only in bands Tulsa Drone, Barstool Heroes and Dark Little Rooms, Kevin Cornell (singer/drummer/piano/guitar) houses the band practice space and one of the largest assortments of vintage keyboards on the east coast in his home studio. After dabbling with songs and ideas between himself and friends Marshall O'Leary (saxophone/flute/piano/guitar/vocals) and George Allen (melodica/ glockenspiel/vocals/hand claps/shakers) and former guitarist/violinist Jacob Moore everything came into focus upon the arrival of Chris Rigo (bass/vocals) and former guitarist/cellist Todd Shelar. As a band Marionette quickly played some house shows and local venues before recording "You Are Here", a six song EP.

After some band shuffling, NYC transplant and sometime composer Adam Rose (guitar/vocals) has joined the band as the group gears for a late summer, early fall tour. The group often gets compared to Broken Social Scene, Akron/Family & Arcade Fire but see them live or buy their EP on iTunes to determine what you think.

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From RVA magazine

"There comes a time in every metal head's life when they are successfully turned on to something a bit quieter. Ever since I heard the American Analog Set over a decade ago, my musical tastes have grown exponentially wider. In 2007, Marionette should be the band that broadens horizons. With six members and a truckload of traditional instruments, Marionette packs layer upon layer of sound in every second of their 6 song EP You Are Here (including the instrumental opener). At first, their sweet indie-pop seems dark and contemplative, especially with a lyric such as "Happiness will never last..." But, as their moniker suggests, Marionette will also help lift you up with their warm, sunny melodies and offer some brutally honest advice on how to find your way - "And through the fires of affliction you will learn to warm your hands by the bridges you have burned..."

With at least half the band acknowledging some sort of jazz background, it's not surprising that, at times, Marionette sound like a mini-orchestra. In "Siren", Kevin leads with his strong vocal range as the band marches from an Amelie-inspired soundtrack into 60's-era psychedelic folk. Although it's tempting to look, you won't find David Gilmour's name in the liner notes for "Some People Say". And the hand-clapping and steady beat of "Your World" make it sound like it could be from the original OR recent post-punk scene. The last song on this EP, recorded by Todd Corvin at Living Room Studios, envelops you just as much as the first. It must be because the harmonies on You Are Here, all sung by grown men, are so damn beautiful.

If you haven't already, now is the time." - Mike Rutz

Blogger Micheal K. Lease says in his blog Annabelle's Aspirin, "Marionette, they are the one of the most well rehearsed unsigned bands I've ever seen."