Laura Mardon “Full Disclosure” Album Review
I believe that record reviews are the collective response of the author’s objective opinion and taste in music in general, combined, however, with some undisputed facts; so here goes: Lagwagon and Bad Astronaut super creative frontman, Joey Cape, launches a digital record label in 2014 called One Week Records with intention to release “ten song” records, recorded in his house by artists of his choice within a single week. After some amazing work having been released so far, it was time for Laura Mardon to drop her One Week Record on the aforementioned label on April 14th of 2015.
TRACKLIST
Hail Hail the Dead Can Dance
Don’t Worry Doll
Falling Fallen
Visiting Hours
Lobby Floor
It Rained When They Took Her Away
Apologies Apologies
Cut Ups
The Sweetest Notes
Stella Wake
I am a fan of everything Joey Cape has had any kind of involvement in. From bands he’s been a part of, to records he produced, the label he ran in the past, solo projects, all of it. His very latest endeavor, One Week Records, is a stepping stone for mostly unknown artists from all over the world to be heard on a broader scale. The approach of every recording is a weeklong demo-ish acoustic session of ten songs, but the outcome is, really, nothing short of professional excellence. While I expected Chris Cresswell’s One Week Record to blow me away, Brian Wahlstrom’s piano punk record is a stroke of genius in every possible way, with Jo Bergeron’s effort being quite amazing also. Keeping that in mind, I was very eager to review One Week Record number five, this time for Laura Mardon, a British artist currently living on the Gold Coast in Australia.
The record kicks off beautifully with Hail Hail the Dead Can Dance, a slow but still ubeat acoustic punk song about DIY aesthetics and movements and is probably my second favorite song of the record. Laura Mardon’s accent reminds me of so many great things music wise and this is an element that gives her songs a nice vibe. Three tracks in, the record showcases diversity within its genre and quality songwriting. I wish Falling Fallen was longer.
The music continues flowing naturally with Visiting Hours and Lobby Floor and while you can hear and feel the producer Joey Cape in some aspects of the songs, you can’t help but notice that Laura Mardon does her own thing with great chord progression twists and beautiful lyrics. Beautiful is actually a word that fits this record like a glove.
The ten songs find their peeking point with Apologies Apologies, my absolute favorite tune of Laura Mardon; so far, I might add. Cut Ups is another upbeat great moment on the record, before it doses off quietly with the Sweetest Notes and Stella Wake (Still Awake). Puns intended.
I can actually hear so many similarities between Laura Mardon’s music and Joey Cape’s acoustic work, that if you are a fan like I am, you will be amazed as to how much you will like this record. Then again, if you’re simply into anything in the general genre of acoustic performances, there is no way in hell you will not love this record and spend afternoon or driving hours listening to it. Laura and Joey, hats off and really well done.
About the Author
Erik Ghint Athens, Greece PWV role : Reviewer Erik was born and has always lived in Athens, Greece. Terrible place but good weather. Studied law and played music on the side, now is a part time lawyer and part time punk rocker. Split personalities are his thing. Still listens to punk rock after 20 years, loves discovering new bands and is nostalgic about punk rock of the nineties. Diss him about his reviews @ https://www.facebook.com/bandage.punkrock.3
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