Marina and the Diamonds, 'Electra Heart:' Falls short
Singer Marina Lambrini Credit: Getty ImagesDiamandis of Marina and the Diamonds attends T4 On The Beach in England. (July 1, 2012)
Marina and the Diamonds certainly don't lack ambition. On "Electra Heart" (Elektra), the British band tries to outpace everything from its successful 2010 debut "The Family Jewels" -- bigger dance beats, broader lyrical concepts and way more drama from Marina Diamandis' acrobatic vocals. That means attempting jaded, step-by-step relationship guides that also get fists pumping ("How to Be a Heartbreaker") or dance floor anthems that combine feminist theory with swooping vocals ("Sex Yeah"). Unfortunately, the group can't quite pull most of it off, coming off heavy-handed ("Homewrecker") or histrionic ("Starring Role"). Marina may strive to be the next Kate Bush, but too often here she's a second-rate Katy Perry.
"Electra Heart"
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Marina and the Diamonds certainly don't lack ambition. On "Electra Heart" (Elektra), the British band tries to outpace everything from its successful 2010 debut "The Family Jewels" -- bigger dance beats, broader lyrical concepts and way more drama from Marina Diamandis' acrobatic vocals. That means attempting jaded, step-by-step relationship guides that also get fists pumping ("How to Be a Heartbreaker") or dance floor anthems that combine feminist theory with swooping vocals ("Sex Yeah"). Unfortunately, the group can't quite pull most of it off, coming off heavy-handed ("Homewrecker") or histrionic ("Starring Role"). Marina may strive to be the next Kate Bush, but too often here she's a second-rate Katy Perry.
MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS
"Electra Heart"
GRADE B-
BOTTOM LINE Dance pop that aims high but falls short