Denison Marrs' latest record, World Renown For Romance, wanders through a dozen musings about life, love, and other mysteries, stopping to linger on the 'love' part. Some of the songs move straight through, with Collins passing rapidly from verse to chorus and back again, but most meander through a haze of fuzz and drifting guitars. Denison is probably the closest thing to a Radiohead clone in the Christian market, although they are distinguished from the aforementioned British band by Denison's tendency to rely more on guitar-and-drum arrangements than the computer-generated music Radiohead favors.
Standout songs include "Let's Dance," a pure love song that is one of the most radio-accessible songs on the disc. The other is the first single, "The New Droan (Light Years Away)" which was first featured on Denison's split EP with Stavesacre. On the more artistic side, the first track, "Sing With Me" clocks in at over eight minutes. Many bands save their 'jam session' songs for closing out the disc, so kudos go to Denison for bucking the trend.
The band also squeezes in two instrumental songs, "People Mover (Pt2)" and "Transatlantic." While the songs have a tendency to sound the same after a while, this is a minor caveat. World Renown For Romance is an exceptionally well-crafted album, and is a must-have for any alternative music fan.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis 2001Reviewed by Brett MiottiRight away you'll notice a different Denison Marrs than on their last full length, "Holding Hands @ 35,000 Feet". But boy oh boy is it a nice change. On "World Reknown for Romance," these fine gents take what was so promising from the first long player and mold it into something beautiful! While Denison Marrs retains their knack for creating dreamy textures and sounds they have learned to tap…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisI've heard many bands on the verge of breaking up say that the whole grind of touring and recording just isn't worth it anymore. The long nights, low pay, and sheer stress of the music business can be enough for anyone to throw in the towel when the going gets tough. Denison Marrs is one of those bands that fits the above explanation. The fact that their record label went bankrupt, leaving them…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt's obvious to whom Denison Marrs owes their musical debts--Sunny Day Real Estate, Stavesacre and the Smashing Pumpkins, among others--but they've still managed to craft a semi-original take on emo with World Renown For Romance, their second full-length record and their first on Velvet Blue. Their version of the truth is anthemic, vaguely self-righteous, and alternately thick and thin, as twangy…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThere are a small number of bands that are making good, original-sounding alternative music these days. The bands don't get near the recognition that they deserve. Bands like Pedro the Lion, Starflyer 59, TwoThirtyEight, and now Denison Marrs. Denison Marrs has been hiding out in Florida for a few years, playing shows and releasing some music, but only in limited numbers. Now, with the new…More from Denison Marrs
2002Then Is the New Now
2001Stavesacre / Denison Marrs
2004Denison Marrs
1999Holding Hands (@35,000 ft)
