© Andrew Colberg
Marek Johnson is both a wonderful source of sounds and moods, as well as a time traveller and explorer. His creator, David Helm, breathes musical influences like a whale incessantly swallows plankton. Some things he explores consciously (including playing old piano pieces as if he were reading books), others he spits out unconsciously, triggering various pop cultural memories of his fans. While the previous Marek Johnson albums were different from each other but more homogeneous in themselves, LIMBS seems to have grown wilder.
The album title LIMBS reflects Helm’s role in embodying music’s infinite possibilities. The ramifications range from smooth indie rock to intricate horror story scores, and they seem to grow high into the grey skies of the 90s. It seems logical if you have followed Marek Johnson’s path for a while. He had previously taken root in the 70s with Nick Drake and the 80s with Mark Hollis. Here, however, he is above all faithful to his understanding of sound as the crown of creation.
In the title track, David Helm’s on-off relationship with music as the essential substance of existence shines through most clearly. The song LIMBS is a hit that Will Oldham or Chan Marshall could have written. More complex than a smooth pop song – but with the gentle surface of a stone softened by the surf and the depth of the ocean from which it comes. The colour of the voice is strange and familiar at the same time. We have never seen or heard Marek Johnson like this before.
Booking Info
Label: Papercup Records
Pressekit: Find here
Techrider: Find here
Availability: Just ask Marco ✉️
Travels from: Cologne
Lineup: 1, 2 or 4 persons