Album review: Nick Marsh – A Universe Between Us
Nick Marsh is probably best known as the singer in 80s gothic rock band Flesh For Lulu. When they split in 1992 Marsh took on lead guitar duties in London’s gypsy blues outfit The Urban Voodoo Machine and now, as a side project, he has released his debut solo album ‘A Universe Between us’.
Though he’s been making music for some years, time has treated him and his voice well; the first thing to strike me when I put on this CD is just how good his baritone, velvety voice still is. The other thing that’s immediately obvious is how well it fits his chosen style of music, which is probably best described as dark lounge performed by a mariachi in 1950s LA. Think Nick Cave mixed with Burt Bacharach and you’d be in the right ballpark but there’s many other influences at play here; Dick Dale, Leonard Cohen, The Tindersticks, Rufus Wainwright, David Lynch and Quentin Tarantino all seem to have played a part in shaping the sound but the end result is undeniably Marsh’s.
Lyrically he treads a fine line and in less capable hands ‘A Universe Between Us’ could sound like a corny pastiche but for the most part Marsh’s skill as a songwriter sees him through. When he fails though, he fails massively, most notably on the lamentable ‘Best Shag in the World’ which could just as easily have been written by David Brent. The inclusion of an instrumental ‘El Deludo’ seems unnecessary but there are some great songs here, in particular ‘Destiny Angel’ and ‘The Smokin’ Gun’ that on the whole make it an enjoyable album. 3/5
Mark Cousens
Out now on Bellissima
www.myspace.com/nickmarshmusic
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