Research the Merits of Marine Research

I have a plethora of posts from Talulah Gosh, Heavenly and Tender Trap under my belt, but I just realized I have glossed over the core members' Marine Research years. Perhaps it's because the band's time with this moniker was so brief, or maybe the reason is because there was a dark cloud over that period. You see, in 1996, Talulah Gosh/Heavenly drummer Mathew Fletcher committed suicide just before the release of 'Operation Heavenly.' So, in 1997, the four remaining members of Heavenly regrouped and were joined by drummer DJ Downfall to become Marine Research.

'Sounds From the Gulf Stream' would be the band's only full-length album. Just like the Heavenly days, the 1999 record came out here in America on the legendary K Records. For some reason, many listeners seemed to think the band's sound changed with its name. I don't think 'Sounds From the Gulf Stream' is the group's strongest effort, but I have always liked the album and think it's more or less full of the same twee pop I had come to expect for so many years.

Marine Research disbanded shortly after the release. Even though three members of Marine Research would continue to perform together, the absence of personnel would mean another name change. In 2001, Amelia Fletcher and partner in life Rob Pursey would be joined by Downfall to form the wonderful pop outfit Tender Trap.

No, if you're new to the Talulah Gosh/Heavenly/Tender Trap family tree, 'Sounds From the Gulf Stream' is probably not the place to start, but don't be scared off by any reviews stating this one isn't worth your time.

Marine Research - Parallel Horizontal