Music

Album Review: Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land

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16 June 2021

By Tabitha Wilson

Marina’s recently released fifth studio album continues to carefully craft her unique aesthetic and explores her growth not only as an artist, but as a woman. With a more mature take on her traditional eclectic electro-pop, Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land is an intoxicating mix of emotionally charged bops and ballads.

The titular track sets the tone for the album – with a powerful beat and emotive lyrics, Marina lets us know exactly what she is setting out to do with this album, stating “I am here to take a look inside myself”. 

The politically charged themes of the opening track can also be seen on Man’s World, which expertly combines a glorious celebration of femininity with razor edge social commentary; packaged within angelic vocals and layered over a dreamy melody.

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Marina doesn’t shy away from American politics either – how could she given the events of the past year? Indeed, New America’s deceptively upbeat instrumental provides the backdrop for some of the idiosyncratic Welshwoman’s most thought-provoking lyricism: “You got a white picket fence and your dad’s got a gun/And when you see the police, there’s no reason to run”

In the second single of the album, Purge the Poisona rousing feminist call to arms – a sound reminiscent of her earlier work Froot is heard, but the comparisons to her previous projects don’t stop here. In Venus Fly Trapa self-assured middle finger to Hollywood – we are reminded of her Electra Heart era. This is also heard in the expertly crafted break-up anthem I Love You But I Love Me More, with Marina’s confidence practically oozing out of the track.

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Moving on, the second half of the album feels much more introspective than the first as we see Marina’s emotional exploration. The track Highly Emotional People signals a shift in tone, with beautiful, haunting lyricism accompanied by a soft, soothing piano melody.

The star’s vocal prowess is showcased on a personal favourite Pandora’s Box, in which exceptional vocals blend perfectly with an understated instrumental – credit here, particularly, must be given for production, with skilful mixing creating a satisfying sensory experience.

Heart-breaking ballad Flowers is dominated by Marina’s distinctive vocal twangs and some delightful piano riffs. It provides a more sophisticated take on the artist’s well-known aesthetic. 

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The final track of the album, however, Goodbye, is perhaps the one that deserves the most praise – the track perfectly encapsulates the world Marina has created with Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, and is infused with all the hallmarks of a classic Marina track: gorgeous lyricism, a striking instrumental and a stellar vocal performance. This incredibly personal piece is absolutely breathtaking, and is arguably the best track she has produced thus far.

Personally, the only issue I had with the album was that it wasn’t long enough. With Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land, Marina has successfully demonstrated her incredible ability as an artist. Her confidence not only as a performer, but as a woman, shines through – she hasn’t let Hollywood change her, and we should all be thankful for that.  

5/5

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