Following on from her critically lauded 2013 album Crystal World, Marnie continues to develop her very own take on a modern pop sound through the release of Strange Words And Weird Wars, out on 2nd June 2017 via Disco Pinata. Comprised of ten pulsating tracks, Strange Words And Weird Wars showcases the most impressive elements of Marnie’s incarnation as a solo artist along with those that made her band, Ladytron, one of the most respected pioneers in electronic music; soul crushing synths are wonderfully accented by hook-laden choruses as Marnie boldly explores up-tempo electro dream-pop. By pre-ordering the album on iTunes right now, you will instantly receive 'Lost Maps', and 'Alphabet Block' plus on May 12 'Electric Youth' will become available. The ability to effortlessly play with genres becomes more and more apparent as you work your way through what is such a sonically impressive record. Tracks such as album opener, the unashamedly melodic 'Alphabet Block', nods to contemporary electro-pop artists. While 'Electric Youth' channels 80s mall pop, think Pat Benatar via M83, a glorious guilty pleasure and one of the stand-out tracks on the album, introspection comes in the form of the shoegaze-inspired 'A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night', giving the air of an unreleased b-side from a cult vampire movie. And while the new single, 'Lost Maps', should be heard on dancefloors around the world, 'Summer Boys' echoes the hazy days of summer, dreaming big whilst reading stolen Mills & Boons books. Having moved back to Glasgow in September 2012 after many years living in London, Marnie continued to write music following the success of her solo project and subsequent album release in 2013. Influenced by life, love, loss, politics and all things 80s pop, Marnie has created an album that has an intelligence and a depth behind what, on the surface, is a melodic contemporary pop record.
Line Up
Helen Marnie is lead vocalist, co-songwriter and keyboardist in electronic band Ladytron.
Born in Glasgow, Helen studied in Liverpool before joining Ladytron in 1999, alongside Daniel Hunt, Reuben Wu and Mira Aroyo. The group found widespread International success with singles such as Playgirl, Seventeen, Destroy Everything You Touch and Ghosts. During a twelve-year period the group released five studio albums as well as a Best Of compilation.
Taking their name from the Roxy Music track, Brian Eno later described Ladytron as "the best of English pop music". They produced remixes for artists such as David Gahan, Blondie and Bloc Party and co-wrote with Cathy Dennis while producing songs for Christina Aguilera's album Bionic. The band toured extensively around the globe with the likes of Björk, Franz Ferdinand, Soulwax, Goldfrapp and Nine Inch Nails
Helen began her solo career during Ladytron’s hiatus, going by the name Marnie. Self-releasing her debut album 'Crystal World' in 2013 after a successful crowd funding campaign via Pledge Music, the album was produced in Reykjavík by Ladytron band mate Daniel Hunt in collaboration with Barði Jóhannsson. Pulsing lead track 'The Hunter' was released as a single, with remixes by Stephen Morris (Joy Division / New Order) subsequently issued on limited 12" for Record Store Day.
During 2014, Helen began working with Jonny Scott of Strike the Colours and The Kills, and made her solo live debut in Glasgow. 'Wolves', an electro ballad produced by Jonny, was released as a 7" single in 2015 as an introduction to a more pop sound tinged with 80’s synth influences.
Helen performed a string of dates around Europe, Russia and South America with her live band during 2015. She was also nominated for Most Stylish Musician at the Scottish Style Awards. A second album is currently being recorded for release in 2016.
