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Markize: A Perfect Lie

Markize is a French/Russian pop/rock band. The band was originally founded by Alina Dunaevskaya, lead vocalist, lyricist, and keyboards; and David Verbecq, on drums back in 2003. Later Franck Chentrier joined with lead guitars and Julien De Feyssal rounded out the quartet playing bass guitar.

This is an accomplished band with three albums under their belt. The first was the EP/Demo, 'Poussières de Viean' in 2004; followed by the thirteen track album 'Transparence'; and now another thirteen track album 'A Perfect Lie' from 2012. The band toured over 50 dates in France and Belgium as a headliner, back in 2009/2010, which propelled them into a leadership role as one of France's best-selling independent bands. Not only does Alina Dunaevskaya possess model quality looks, she sang and the band played well enough to impress Tarja Turunen to choose Markize to support her on a tour across Europe in 2010/2011.

Receiving this demo album was a wonderful surprise. Now let's give it a spin and describe it's best qualities.

'Mechanical Hearts' starts things off with mechanical keyboards before you get to hear Alina Dunaevskaya's voice for the first time. Imagine Cyndi Lauper's cuteness only with much more power and intensity. Those keyboards are excellent, but the power guitars and drums blast open the soundscape as the music progresses. There is a music video for this track and I will not dare spoil the ending. Great bass fills all the spaces well on this opener.

'Все пройдет', yes, a Russian title, sung in Russian. But don't worry you won't need lyrics. Just listen as Dunaevskaya's emotive voice delivers all you need to know about the song. One of the best singers I have heard this year…so far. The guitar work is beyond belief…excellent. The bass and consistent drumming only adds to the professionalism being delivered.

If you enjoyed Dunaevskaya's emotive voice delivering Russian…well…wait until you hear her sing in French on 'Laisse le temps s'eteindre'. Beautiful chime like keys open up the track before thundering drums and roaring guitars take over the stage. Then, the stage is Dunaevskaya's. That beautiful and panoramic voice soars over the heavy guitars, drums, and power bass being delivered.

Well, we heard Russian and French, how about some English? Dunaevskaya displays all of her linguistic talents and abilities as she sings 'A New Era'. Her soft arching voice is set to a perfect tone as she unfolds the lyrics with precision amidst power bass, thumping drums and grinding guitars. Yeh, it's powerful stuff.

'A Perfect Lie', the title track, is a cool instrumental, one minute, keyboard and synth escape that will have you wishing it could have been much longer.

'J'erre', more than makes up for the shortness of the last track. The beautiful keyboard opening is augmented with excellent power guitar, bass, and a perfectly played drum rhythm. Then it's Dunaevskaya's turn to add the charm again. Her French vocals do shine…well.

'Что нас ждет', is another song sung in Russian. But just like the first, this one is easy to follow, even without a lyrics sheet. The keyboard rhythm is an excellent opener with the lead guitar intertwined well. The bass and drums crush and flow with the rhythm. Some of the rhythms remind me of the Italian band Kingcrow…which is a very good thing.

'Dance With Me' is one of the best tracks on the album. It is Dunaevskaya's best English lyrics song. The lyrics are captivating and deeply emotional. The opening guitar work is some of the best on the album. You would be crazy to refuse a dance after this song.

'My Chains' opens with cool electric keys mixed well with power guitar and Dunaevskaya's echoing and eerie backing vocal. This track mixes English and French verses, providing more proof of Dunaevskaya's linguistic and vocal diversity. The power guitars, heavy bass and drum rhythm make this one of the best metal tracks on the album.

'Fight Them All' opens with a galloping guitar, bass and drum rhythm that takes off full force before Dunaevskaya's vocals catch up. The fastest track on the album.

'Don't Let This Take Your Life' opens with some cool sound effects and power drums and crashing guitar, with Dunaevskaya's vocals delivering some sweet "Ah, ahs" through the mix of power. Then she delivers, "You wanna free your mind. Looking for the one who'll feed your mind. Walking on the red line". The power guitar grind is some of the best on the album.

'Просыпайся' opens with excellent lead guitar picking and soft keys surrounding. Then Dunaevskaya's soft and sincere voice pushes through the soundscape. Yeh…nice.

'Erase' kicks off with some spacey keys before blinding lead guitar rips open the seam. Dunaevskaya's echoing voice pulls through the keyboard haze as drums and bass support and build the soundscape.

I want more. This is a great introduction to this French/Russian band. Dunaevskaya's voice is worth the price of admission alone. But the supporting music is excellent.

Track Listing:

1. Mechanical Hearts
2. Все пройдет
3. Laisse le temps s'eteindre
4. A New Era
5. A Perfect Lie
6. J'erre
7. Что нас ждет
8. Dance With Me
9. My Chains
10. Fight Them All
11. Don't Let This Take Your Life
12. Просыпайся
13. Erase

Added: March 25th 2013
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Markize.com
Hits: 5995
Language: english

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» Reader Comments:

Markize: A Perfect Lie
Posted by Alex Rinier on 2013-10-28 18:59:09
My Score:

Great Interview and Review! Great singer Alina Dunaevskaya! I'd like to know more about her personal project. THANK YOU!!!




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