News & Press / In Silence - reviews

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 31/07/2011

UK SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE MAGAZINE REVIEW

posted on 31.7.2011

A review of "In Silence" from the UK edition of the Sunday Times/Culture Magazine.

ST2

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 24/07/2011

"IN SILENCE" UNCUT MAGAZINE REVIEW

posted on 24.7.2011

A review of "In Silence" from Uncut Magazine, UK

MarcC-UncutAug111

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 24/07/2011

"IN SILENCE" REVIEW

posted on 24.7.2011

A review of "In Silence" from The Herald, Ireland.

metroreview

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 22/07/2011

"In Silence" Review.

posted on 22.7.2011

A review of "In Silence" from Ireland.

heinekenreview

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 17/07/2011

SHINDIG "IN SILENCE" ALBUM REVIEW

 

posted on 17.7.2011

Picture1-1SHINDIG1

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 17/07/2011

InSound "In Silence" Album Review

posted on 17.7.2011

A review from In Sound in the US.

Marc Carroll's first album for One Little Indian marks an exciting new phase in the Irish-born singer-songwriter's eclectic career. In Silence finds Carroll further enmeshing the folk, punk, country and blues that first inspired him, with the charged harmony pop – influenced equally by the Beach Boys, Husker Du and Neil Young – that constituted much of his early recorded output. On In Silence, Carroll puts together a truly memorable collection of tuneful, emotional (at times even raw), instant classics that make a strong case for Carroll's inclusion in the pantheon of great living songwriters.

Posted in In Silence - reviews on 05/10/2011

In Silence

Uncut, UK August 2011 (4 stars):

Defined by steely determination, emotional candour and pure pop know-how, Carroll's first four albums are up for re-issue in advance of a forthcoming new release. This introductory collection surprisingly omits his early irresistible classic "Crashpad Number", but the emphasis on Carroll's rebel punk/trad folk inspired songs still showcase his multi-instrumental skills and harmony-layering skills in full flight. From the ravaged rapture of "What's Left Of My Heart" to righteous, world weary rebuke "Press On", it's a work of depth and distinction, ripe for wider attention.

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Sunday Times, Culture Magazine, UK - July 2011:

Must have re-issue.

Marc Carroll is a singer - songwriter who should be better known. This new compilation serves as an excellent introduction to the man, and it's not hard to see what Dylan and Wilson like about him. The opening of 'In Agreement With Reality' is a homage to Knockin' On Heaven's Door, the phrasing and melody of 'What's Left Of My Heart'  could sit happily on Street Legal;  A Wilsonian precision in the arrangements is evident throughout. Having sensibly learnt from the masters, Carroll has then created his own distinctive style - a slow building Folk rock sound that pulses with energy and life.

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The Sunday Express, UK (August 2011) :

  MARC CARROLL In Silence (One Little Indian) ****

Dust Of Rumour, his fourth solo album, should have broken Irish singer-songwriter Marc, but critical praise alone doesn’t pay the mortgage. A label switch sees the best of that album lumped together with tracks from previous offerings in an attempt to relaunch his career (One Little Indian will follow it with reissues before a new album next year), but this delicious harmony pop-folk should not need a second shove, with Press On and No Time At All perfect examples of his ability.

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Shindig, UK (July 2011) :

With a brand new album project  in the works for One LittleIndian as well as having his prolific back catalogue readied for reissue,this 12 track career retrospective will not only please long-time fans but serve as an exemplary entry point for those unfamiliar with the legendary Irishman’s arresting amalgam of rock, punk, country and blues along with occasional doses of super-charged harmony pop. His shaman-like, emotionally fraught vocals (often recalling either Dylan orDonovan), scrappy folk-rock guitar work (checkout a vigorous, Richard Thompson-influenced recall of the traditional ‘Matty Groves’) and enormous talent as a songwriter really makes one wonder about his lack of commercial breakthrough. Favourites range from the philosophical ‘Press On’, a lushly arranged prayer titled ‘Against My Will’, the stately yet shimmering and transcendent ‘In Agreement With Reality’ and the pair of wistful, dream-like instrumentals that bookend affair.

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Record Collector, UK. *** (August 2011):

Eclectic selection forms retrospective collection

Ahead of next year’s release of his fifth album – as well as the reissue of his previous four – In Silence presents a digestible introduction to Dublin-born Marc Carroll.

A man with many strings to his bow, this 12-track compilation demonstrates the many facets of his songwriting abilities, from stripped-down singer-songwriter poignancy (Press On, In Agreement With Reality), to gruff psychedelia (Love Over Gold, A Dark And Lucky Night), folk ballads (Against My Will, the traditional Matty Groves) and syrupy, more mainstream-oriented soft rock (A Way Back Out Of Here, Always). As a cross-section of his repertoire, it’s certainly comprehensive, but it’s also somewhat reductive; these are all innate parts of carefully considered albums and, out of that context, some of their impact is diluted. That said, Carroll’s raspy, smoke-filled throat boasts an impressive power and his emotive, affecting lyricism is both intelligent and devoid of clichés.

Having been making music just under the radar for well over a decade now, it’s only fair that Carroll gets his turn in the spotlight. While his albums should receive more attention than this compilation, In Silence certainly serves as a good introduction to his multifarious talents.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

One Little Indian | TPLP 1101 (CD / LP)

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R2 Rock 'N Reel, UK - **** (September 2011):

Maybe this is Marc Carroll's time. Newly signed to One Little Indian for whom he is working on a new album, his back catalogue is being readied for reissue. In the meantime, this career retrospective will do very nicely thank you. Could be it even spreads the word about an artist who can count no less than Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson among his advocates. 'In Silence' reflects all of the influences that shape Dubliner carroll's sound. You can hear the harmonic pop of the Beach Boys, the post punk intensity of Husker Du, the country genius of Hank Williams and the sheer bloddy mindedness of Neil Young. So many of the songs here jostle for your undivided attention, particularily 'In Agreement With Reality', 'A Dark And Lucky Night', 'Against My Will' and Carroll's astonishing arrangement of the traditional 'Matty Groves'.

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In Sound, US (July 2011) :

Marc Carroll's first album for One Little Indian marks an exciting new phase in the Irish-born singer-songwriter's eclectic career. In Silence finds Carroll further enmeshing the folk, punk, country and blues that first inspired him, with the charged harmony pop – influenced equally by the Beach Boys, Husker Du and Neil Young – that constituted much of his early recorded output. On In Silence, Carroll puts together a truly memorable collection of tuneful, emotional (at times even raw), instant classics that make a strong case for Carroll's inclusion in the pantheon of great living songwriters.

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AllMusic.Com, US (September 2011)

Americans who have never caught a whiff of Marc carroll's work before the release of his 'In Silence' anthology have a pretty good excuse: his records had never been made available in the U.S. before. The Irish-born singer/songwriter has been plying his trade since the early 2000's, but for many, In Silence - which collects cuts from his previous albums as well as EP's, will mark their first meeting with Carroll's work. He's a tough one to pin down, especially on a collection that leaps with impunity accross his discography. His folk roots are made plain not only by a cover of the traditional British folk song 'Matty Groves', but by the man and guitar solo acoustic cut 'Press On' and the Dylan-esque inflections on 'Whats Left Of My Heart'. At the same time, the looped sounding percussion behind his earthy Irish burr and acoustic picking on 'Always' puts him in the company of folk rock influenced modernists like David Gray, while the plangent electric guitars and the ominous thump of 'Love Over Gold' show that he can rock it up when he wants to, and the ambitious but superfluous instrumentals that bookend the album, the wispy, guitar driven 'The Boy Who Dreamed' and the throbbing, bass heavy 'In Reverse', indicate a willingness to experiment, even if the way ahead is uncertain. What's never uncertain though, is Carroll's sure footed way around a melody. For all the folk rock flavouring, there's a classic pop sensibility at the root of his songwriting which puts him a step ahead of many of his peers.

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By The Fellside, US (September 2011) ***

Marc Carroll comes highly recommended. With hails from Bob Dylan, he has established a level of critical credibility without ever really threatening to break into wider recognition. Having now signed with a new label, and on the eve of a release of an album of new material he has issued this compilation disc, composed of material from his two previous efforts. The songs are well crafted with spinning harmonies reminiscent of Brian Wilson, fused with jangly guitars that have been compared to the Byrds. Based in Los Angeles, yet spending a fair bit of time travelling, his multi-layered sound shimmers and builds with a quiet burning tension. Many of the songs here are achingly subjective. Listening to 'What's Left Of My Heart' recalls Elliott Smith and the language of knowledgable rejection. At times the rich complex instrumentation overpowers the voices as on 'A Way Back Out Of Here' but the abiding taste is one of sweet anguish. A good starter for ten with the promise of more to come.

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Morning Star, UK (June 2011) :

Marc Carroll's voice forces you to take notice.

Inimitably, it blends power and coarseness without compromising its warmth. Important attributes as raw emotions and tenderness are rendered with precision through an array of songs of a distinct musical identity as well as intriguing familiarity. The guitar work has shades of the Byrds as in "Always" and occasionally harmonies can bring distant memories of the Beach Boys. 

But Carroll's sound is ultimately his own. "Love Over Gold" has an anthemic bravura and is a vocal tour de force. Traditional "Matty Groves" and "Dark And Lucky Night" hypnotise with the energy of their pounding, punkish directness.

But the haunting "Against My Will" could very well epitomise Carroll's own unhappy fate at the hands of record companies a direction that is impressively reversed here by One Little Indian.

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Whisperinandhollerin' , UK (July 2011) :

8/10

Marc Carroll was a name I hadn’t heard before this month. He’s an Irish singer songwriter with folk, country and alt-rock trimmings, and God knows there are plenty of those. So what a treat is was to love the album from the first riff of the introductory instrumental "The Boy Who dreamed". "In Silence" makes a virtue (so hard this) of putting quality songs into well-used formats, with a sincerity and magic that you can’t fake.

The man's heart, soul and love of music just burst out from that first teasing tune. It's an album to listen to straight from the bottle. No pondering is required. No critical discourse is needed. Let go and let it flow.
He seems to have heard and absorbed all the folk and country rock idioms since 1966, and he reshuffles them with complete assurance. It sounds natural, unforced and sweet on the ear. My pr notes suggest that One Little Indian have let him do just what he wants and the comfortably sincere sound that he produces confirms the claim.

On the first song "Love Over Gold" his voice evokes the classic textures and phrasing of Dylan on “Baby Blue” and Don Henley on "Boys of Summer". Over the top on reverb? Maybe. But it does no harm. The big soulful electric and acoustic guitar sounds carry over into "What’s Left Of My Heart" and make their layered changes through the rest of the album. Hooky little riffs and shifting chords tease the emotions.

Every so often there's a glimpse of another song or voice – Tom Petty seems to make an appearance in "No Time At All". But it's fun spotting them and there's neither lack of self-awareness or presence of artifice in what he's doing. Sweeney's Men, The Pogues and Paul Brady might be there too.

Early Fairport Convention get their nod of appreciation too – his version of "Matty Groves" has glints of Richard Thompson's young fire without being tempted into the extended solo. He sings the brute with great authority. The resigned and regretful "In Agreement With Reality" has a Knockin' On Heaven's Door" feel. A simple piano part and female backing vocals give it depth and lustre.

"Always" is a resilient anthem for hard times, "Press On" a delightful reversion to the perfect simplicity of something like "Blowin' In The Wind", without sounding the least bit like Donovan. The album closer "In Reverse" is a darker work, built (I think) from the album's overture spooled back to front. It's a neat touch.

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Irish Times, 3 stars (July 2011) :

In Silence One Little Indian ***

He may have spent the last two decades traversing continents in search of a place to call his own, but Dublin’s Marc Carroll has found a new home at UK indie label One Little Indian. This compilation of songs from his last two albums World on a Wire and Dust of Rumour act as an introduction to the LA-based musician’s songbook. His easygoing acoustic musings, infused with Irish folk despite his global wanderings, are augmented by lush strings ( No Time at All ) and layered vocals that act as a comfort blanket of sound. Yet it’s the sparse, simplistic frames of songs like Press On that showcase Carroll’s songwriting ability best. It may not convince nonbelievers, but it’s certainly enough to pique interest in his sixth album, due next year. See marccarroll.com

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Heineken.ie, 4 stars. (July 2011)

For some unfathomable reason, Marc Carroll means very little to very few. Carroll used to be in one of Dublin’s most praised back-in-the-day bands (Puppy Love Bomb); then he was in a praised London-based band called The Hormones; and then about ten years he went solo, and released three albums that were, yes, praised. He is, then, something of a critic’s favourite, which is all well and good, but it sure doesn’t pay the bills. Now signed to One Little Indian, In Silence isn’t a studio record proper, but rather a selection of tracks culled from his previous two albums (World On A Wire andDust Of Rumour) as a means to introduce Carroll to those unfamiliar with his work.

 
As introductions go, it is just superb; over the years, Carroll has fashioned for himself an output that mixes ringing/zinging guitars, Beach Boy melodies, acoustic folk with Dylanesque hints, and a lyrical stance that delves honestly and directly into all manner of emotional states. In Silence, then, is a taster for a slew of solo album re-issues later in the year, and an album of new material in early 2012. Maybe then, with the wider distribution a label such One Little Indian can provide, his work will be more appreciated.
 
In the meantime, cop a listen to the songs collected here, and wonder why in the name of the good Lord above Carroll is little more than, at best, a cult figure, at worst, a forgotten name of Irish rock, and – no word of a lie – one of the most underrated songwriters currently putting pen to paper.
 
Tony Clayton-Lea writes on rock/pop culture for The Irish Times, and is chairman of the Choice Music Prize judging panel.

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The Metro, Ireland, 4 Stars (July 2011)

Exiled in Los Angeles for going on two decades, gravel-throated Dubliner Marc Carroll has been overlooked for too long back in the old country. This compilation, culled from his first four studio records, should at least begin to remedy that injustice. Delivered in a sweet, ragged voice that suggests Bob Dylan after rigorous singing lessons, Love Over Gold sounds like a recently uncovered folk classic from the 1960's. With the dust of the open highway caked to his boots, Carroll evokes widescreen Americana with a flourish many of his contemporaries can only dream of. Maybe that's why he has never quite recieved his dues back home. His music feels so authentically American. In Silence is worth making plenty of noise about.

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Cluas.com, Ireland (August 2011)

Review Snapshot: Carroll’s rhythmic arrangements and calming husky tones will accommodate most tastes as the album gently works through a plethora of genres, but it both requires and deserves your full attention. Best enjoyed on a long quiet car journey. 

The Cluas Verdict:  7 out of 10

Full Review: It’s a joy finding something new­­­­­ to mull over, although in this case ‘it’ is hardly new as singer/songwriter Marc Carroll has been carving out his musical career for over 20 years, albeit with modest commercial success. ‘In Silence’, a collection of his work to date,  both requires and deserves greater attention.

The collection begins with ‘The Boy Who Dreamed’, an instrumental of gentle inoffensive folk melodies before elevating into ‘Love Over Gold’ the second track and my first opportunity to sample Carroll’s striking vocals and confident delivery - its rousing, almost ethnic, sound discusses loss and faith, It’s heartfelt with lyrics that prompt repeated listening. The reverb, courtesy of the wah pedal effect, build the song well while blending comfortably with the acoustics.

‘In Silence’ is a grown-up album. Carroll is evidently well-seasoned on the life torments of love and loss and can articulate his experiences in a reflective, not bitter, way. Melodies on ‘No Time at All’ and ‘Against My Will’ are modest in their construction. This isn’t an album of intricate chords and complicated note arrangements.  Carroll’s guitar execution is not fuelled, but rather a delicate extension of himself to chaperone his vivid and enchanting storytelling. His stories are descriptive and animated “When I turned to the West, I felt instantly alone, kicked the mud off my boots and slept for days..”

Carroll comes across as a life observer rather than player. In ‘What’s Left of My Heart’, he is dejected yet refrains from anger: “She can ease my pain..And sadly I all I can do is stand beside, and bless the day I found her” His despondent but accepting attitude is refreshing.  “Its clear to see even natures singing in the minor key .. and will forever”  The acceptance of his environment is mature and real, and with a surprisingly upbeat melody and pace for such a melancholic track this is one of my favourites on the album.

‘No Time At All’ has a one minute instrumental introduction which sets the pace nicely on this soporific take on the passing of time. Uncomplicated chords again accompany Carroll’s dulcet tones and the harmonies simmer along nicely with lyrics that perfectly illustrate the singers tolerant attitude “Gotta keep movin ..don’t look back don’t hesitate”.

‘A Dark and Lucky Night’ combines electric and acoustic and lends itself to the power pop genre before building to an uplifting harmony buoyed by an undeniable gospel influence.  ‘A Way Back Out of Here’ meanwhile sounds like a Randy Travis tribute before progressing to combine string and percussion to layer and give a soundtrack quality.  It’s thin for the most part however and one of the weaker tracks for me.

Along with ‘Love Over Gold’, ‘Always’ is one of the most melodious songs on ‘In Silence’ .  Unlike ‘Love Over Gold’ however there are no distortions to bait you in. Its poppy harmonies achieve enough of a hook and go a long way to disguise some of the darker lyrics “Its not a beautiful world, its a cold..sad and lonely world”

In ‘Press On’ Carroll does little to deny a Dylan influence, while the stirring ‘Against My Will’ vocals fail to hide his Irish roots. An album of contradictions some might say, with the assimilation of so many varying impressions, but something tells me Carroll is keen to not be pigeon-holed, and has in fact a very international sound.

‘In Silence’ works through every genre from pop to Irish folk. Much is made of the Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson influences, and their subsequent championing of his cause has been well documented.  A gravel voice and an acoustic guitar, however, will eternally draw parallels with other songwriters.  There are a multitude of impressions in Carroll’s work, but with his candid approach to each performance, none of these influences could be construed as intentional or contrived.  Instead, let the depictive nature of his storytelling along with the simplicity of themes like love, loss and the less glamorous endurance, be the real testament to the maturity and substance in this talented song-writers music. 

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Daily Star, Ireland *** (August 2011)

Irish hero Marc Carroll is currently in Los Angeles working on a new album die for release next year. In the meantime, he kicks off the imminent reissues of four albums in his back catalogue with an retrospective album that reminds listeners of his great talen.  Gravel voiced Carroll works through a myriad of genres including pop to indie to Irish folk, all with aplomb. 

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Little Comments, UK (August 2011)

If there was ever an award for most incidents in a career, Marc Carroll would certainly be a contender for it. In a career spanning ten years, the Irish singer-songwriter has had his unlucky share of folded labels, collapsed deals, money-grabbing marketers and just a bunch of mongs.

And yet, despite these confidence-denting setbacks, Marc has produced four albums worth of material that is full of heart, and act as a physical tribute to his single-minded determination and talent. Each of which has received critical acclaim which begs the question, why is Marc Carroll not yet in the charts? Fortunately through the release of new album In Silence on stable label One Little Indian, the answer is in sight.

The sound of pleasant folk-punk combinations is shaped from Marc’s wide array of influences, from Beach Boys to Husker Du, Hank Williams to Neil Young, each participant has created a unique individual sound which produces tracks like the peaceful opening instrumental The Boy Who Dreamed, and the pained expressions of past experiences witnessed throughout the rest of the album.
 
It’s a wonder how Marc managed to retain the willpower to continue making music in the high standard he has, surely his optimistic approach to life is a trait considered desirable by a lot of people, and that alone should be the reason to propel Marc into the mainstream. He has battled through the low points of his career with little to say about it, which to me makes him highly respectable and deserving of a wider audience.
 
To those wanting to gain an insight into the music of Marc Carroll, In Silence is a great window to it. The music is accessible enough to have playing in the background and complex enough to concentrate on. The mix of acoustic, folk, punk and blues is infused perfectly to create a set of twelve tracks which remain enjoyable to the highest degree. If you’re still unsure about listening to the new album, then you must know that Brian Wilson and Bob Dylan also enjoy a cheeky bit of Marc Carroll, so ner.
 
7/10
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NetRhythms, UK, August 2011 :

 

Now with a new deal under his belt, his back catalogue is being prepared for reissue alongside a new album for release next year. Prior to both comes this ‘best of’ primer, though bafflingly, while it takes its title from a song off debut album Ten Of Swords, there are no actual tracks from it. Well, at least not from the European release.

It’s good news for completists that In Reverse, the instrumental which only ever appeared on the Japanese Extended Edition, surfaces here. But why this at the expense of, for example, Crashpad Number, Silent And Blind or the plangent Terror And Tired Eyes (The Brilliance And Violence Of Vincent Van Gogh)?

Still, both World On A Wire and Dust Of rumour are well served with the likes of Love Over Gold, the Dylanesque What’s Left Of My Heart, piano ballad In Agreement With Reality and the tumble and chime of Always. His raspy voiced non-album single version of trad folk staple Matty Groves is also included, bringing things up to date ready to jump to the new material next year, but ideally you’d be best advised trying to find copies of the original albums.

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Posted in In Silence - reviews on 30/06/2011

"IN SILENCE" UNCUT MAGAZINE REVIEW

posted on 30.6.2011

Uncut have a 4 Star review of "In Silence" in their latest Issue (August).

"Defined by steely determination, emotional candour and pure pop know-how, Carroll's first four albums are up for re-issue in advance of a forthcoming new release. This introductory collection surprisingly omits his early irresistible classic "Crashpad Number", but the emphasis on Carroll's rebel punk/trad folk inspired songs still showcase his multi-instrumental skills and harmony-layering skills in full flight. From the ravaged rapture of "What's Left Of My Heart" to righteous, world weary rebuke "Press On", it's a work of depth and distinction, ripe for wider attention."

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