| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Track Structure | 9 |
| Interest | 10 |
| Melody | 9 |
| Performance | 10 |
| Lyrics | 10 |
| Enjoyment | 9 |
| Recording Quality | 10 |
| Commercial Appeal | 8 |
| Overall | 9.4 |
The first MP3 Unsigned review this month is a collaboration between two of that sites bigger names - Canadian Mary Gottschalk and Belgian musician Drainage. Having reviewed and liked both of these artists output in the past, it kinda follows that I would be looking forward to hearing this collab. Mind you, it isn't the first time they have worked together. They have a colaborative effort along with Greybrow on the London 7/7 project (London Burning Underground -August 2005) - a powerful, restrained track although ultimately a bit too middle of the road for my tastes. It was Mary's vocal and lyrics though that - for my money - made that track. Drainage, of course, has become a firm favourite in my house during the last few months, due to his extremely sure production and musical skills, garnering him some very positive reviews from yours truly.
The first thing you will notice about Silent Storm is the crystal clear production, which is a bit of a Mary G trademark, particularly the vocals. I readily admit that I don't have a lot of time for this kind of material but I do have a lot of time for Mary's particualr singing style. She has a clear, precise vocal delivery you would normally ascribe to a professional and - in some ways - Mary is a thorough going professional, whether she is unsigned or otherwise. And that applies whether you are talking about her performance or her final mastering because in terms of sound and final mix, her work is some of the finest I have heard and believe me if I am picky anywhere it's in the final mastering stage.
Silent Storm also stands up as a straightforward, class song. It's 'hold on, hold on tight' refrain is just delightful although it may take a couple of plays for it to fully register on your brain and ears. That same professional touch comes through in the lyrics too because Silent Storm is a thoughtful, caring song to a friend who is having trouble coping and on that score I can recommend it to anyone who has a friend who is struggling with the trials and tribulations of life. 'Don't ever stop believing' she sings, and by God with that sentiment echoing through your brainpan, it's hard NOT to believe that everything is going to turn out alright. A special note should also be made of Darainage's excellent drum support on this track, and understated but technically perfect delivery that only serves to add yet more power to an already unstoppable track. I suggest Mary, that you get over to Songplanet because I KNOW their radio station would just love your material and would play your tracks to death. Big kudos all round for an excellent track in every single respect.
A Must Have (AND it's a ballad!!!)
To listen to the track Click Here