The band released their second studio album on February 24, 2009 entitled Masterpiece Theatre.
It takes some real cojones to include the word 'Masterpiece' in your album title, but Josh Ramsay isn't too worried. "I suppose I could be digging myself into a hole calling the record Masterpiece Theatre," he chuckles, "but it's tongue-in-cheek. And I'm not the kind of person that people would assume as being an egomaniac. I hope not, anyway."
Given his feverish imagination and comprehensive musical gifts, Ramsay could probably get away with a little egomania. And with the release of Masterpiece Theatre, the frontman of Vancouver's Marianas Trench makes a iron-clad case for a prodigious set of talents - both his own and those of his bandmates, guitarist Matt Webb, bassist Mike Ayley, and drummer Ian Casselman.
Marianas Trench had already elevated itself above the rest of the pack with a 2006 debut, Fix Me, that showcased a knack for colouring outside the lines of factory-issue millenial punk, shrewdly-built pop, and super-adrenalized modern rock. The single and in particular the video "Shake Tramp" was enough to demonstrate these qualities, coupled with Ramsay's uninhibited urge to be the complete song-and-dance man.
But with both the industry and the fans beating down the door for a quick second album, the Trench decided to put on the brakes. "All of a sudden you have six months to do your next record," Ramsay sighs. "So I really had to just put my foot down and say, 'No, I need the time to do this.' I was not interested in putting something out for the sake of putting something out."
Two years later, Marianas Trench has re-emerged with Masterpiece Theatre. And not surprisingly, it's a work of soaring ambition and decisive technical prowess – that easily might not have happened. "It's one thing when you're Chad Kroeger and you just finished writing 'How You Remind Me'," Ramsay states. "I didn't have some mega-platinum song to back up my argument with, so I was lucky that the band and the label trusted me enough to do it."
By "it", Ramsay means he was allowed to indulge a high-concept fantasy for the band's sophomore album, which is built, for starters, around a song called "Masterpiece Theatre". Adopting Brian Wilson's notion of the 'pocket symphony' and then running with it, the three distinct versions of “Masterpiece Theatre” dotted across the record feature an almost perfect balance between the vocal theatrics of Queen and the more hymnal qualities of the Beach Boys.
By the time “Masterpiece Theatre” is reprised for a final, climactic time, every other song on the album is quoted and incorporated into an intricately constructed dramatic revue that swings from pristine pop, to propulsive riff rock, to quasi-doo wop, to robotic new wave, and finally into a wholly satisfying thematic payoff.
"You know in the climax of a musical, there's always that medley at the end, and I thought that would be cool on a rock record," explains Ramsay, "but it turned out to be a lot harder than I thought it would be. I wrote it in the studio as we recorded it, and it took about three weeks."
After a beat, he adds, "But really it took me two years because it draws from all the songs on the whole album."
Bassist Mike Ayley readily admits, "I don't think any of the three ‘Masterpiece Theatre’ songs could have gone on Fix Me had they been written at the time. ‘Masterpiece’ 2 and 3 in particular are amazing songs that really explore the potential of Josh's writing. You really have to hear them to get it. It's like trying to explain ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to somebody who has only heard Kanye West and Katy Perry."
Ramsay agrees. "I really wanted to have a 'Good Vibrations'/'Bohemian Rhapsody’ style song on the first record,” he says, “but I don't think I was a mature enough writer to have written it yet, and I still feel like I was in over-my-head when we did this one, and I just barely made it."
Ramsay is unnecessarily modest; the whole of Masterpiece Theatre demonstrates a startling compositional maturity compared to the Marianas Trench of two years ago.
"Beside You" is a panoramic exercise in big emotions, with a dash of the Dream Academy's "Life In a Northern Town”. "Acadia" begins with a clipped, bright acoustic guitar, and blossoms into something like the Who reconsidered by U2, reimagined for the net generation. In the crunchy "All to Myself", the power ballad "Lover Dearest", and the strident "Good to You" (in which he duets with Kate Voegele), Ramsay pulls out the kind of honeyed vocals more attuned to modern RnB than white, adolescent rock.
"I always had that aspect in my voice but the first record just didn't have songs that were conducive to me singing that way," he states. "I think it's from growing up listening to a lot of Michael Jackson. With these songs, it made sense to stretch out a little more."
On "Cross My Heart" and "Celebrity Status", the band conjures up a kind of perfect pop crossover. Producer Dave 'Rave' Ogilvie was responsible for the latter track, which cops a move he used on Marilyn Manson's "Beautiful People" with three drummers (Casselman, Ramsay and Shane Wilson) playing at once - much to Ramsay's delight. "He's just worked with so many great artists which makes his well of tricks and ideas so vast," he says.
True to Ramsay's quest for "more diversity on this album" - not to mention the indulgence of his record label - Rave was just one of four prominent guest producers eventually roped into Masterpiece Theatre. Their collective resume includes Nine Inch Nails, Sum 41, Iggy Pop, Avril Lavigne, and Hedley among others.
"I feel really fortunate to have worked with all those guys," Ramsay says, "coz they all bring really unique things. Dave Genn and I have a really good working relationship with each other, and he has such a unique style with arrangement and stuff. Greig Nori was a really pleasant surprise. As far as I can tell, he wanted to work with us because he liked our video. The whole time he was just trying to get me to dance around like an idiot. And Raine Maida, man? Raine's a trip!"
Bassist Ayley also credits Maida for encouraging the band to “find a personality-identity that wasn't as evident when we started the production process," while also praising Ramsay for his production efforts. Ramsay took charge of four songs on the finished record. “Josh is really about capturing the emotion and power which isn't surprising considering all the feeling in the writing,” he says.
Oddly enough, Ramsay also wanted Disney's in-house genius Alan (Little Mermaid) Mencken to twiddle the knobs for the climactic version of "Masterpiece Theatre", but admits, "it's a pretty tall order to get an Academy Award winner to come and work on your record."
Still, the album is certainly not diminished by the few things Ramsay didn't get. And once the world gets a load of this Masterpiece, Mencken, Pharrell Williams, Phil Spector... you name it. They'll probably be lining up.
Echoes of You
Marianas Trench Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never given into madness
I keep an eye on the chamber door
But I'm better now than before
No, I never really panicked
No, I never really panicked
You inhale 'til your lungs get sore
But stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
Those remnant faces fleeting traces of you
Haunt the corner of my eye
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh! Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart now
You know I tried to make it vanish
I just want to make it vanish
But the notes of an old mistake
Still ring louder every day
From a
From a little to a manic
A cacophony of frantic
A relentless refrain
Is the only thing that remains
Well stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
Those remnant faces fleeting traces of you
Haunt the corner of my eye
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh! Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Oh, echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart now
Stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
The remnant faces fleeting traces of you
Haunt the corner of my eye
Stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
The remnant faces fleeting traces of you
Haunt the corner of my eye
Hey!
Can't stop my falling now
Who said don't look down
Can't stop my falling now
Who said
You said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said
You said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said
You said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said
You said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said
You said don't look down
I thrust my fist into the post
I still insist I see the ghosts
I can't stop myself falling now
Don't look down
(Echoes of you)
(Echoes of you)
(Echoes of you)
(Echoes of you)
Repeating from the corner of my eye
(Echoes of you)
(Echoes of you)
Repeating from the corner of my mind
The lyrics of "Echoes of You" by Marianas Trench portray a story of someone who has struggled with their sanity and past mistakes. The first two verses express the singer's determination to not succumb to madness and their efforts to keep their emotions in check. They have learned from their past and claim to be in a better state now.
However, despite their efforts, the echoes of their past experiences still haunt them. The whispered conversations and lingering presence of their past haunt the corner of their eye, representing the lasting impact of a significant person or event. The "remnant faces fleeting traces of you" suggest that the memories and influence of this person are still present in their mind.
The chorus repeats the phrase "echoes of you" as a metaphor for the memories, emotions, and consequences that resurface repeatedly. The beating of the "tell-tale heart" signifies the constant reminder of their past actions. These echoes serve as a reminder of the mistakes made and the ongoing struggle to move on from them.
In the third verse, the singer admits that they have tried to make the memories disappear, but the mistakes they made continue to resurface. The "notes of an old mistake" ring louder every day, implying that they are unable to escape the consequences and guilt associated with their past actions. The use of "manic" and "cacophony of frantic" suggest the overwhelming nature of their internal turmoil.
The repetition of the chorus throughout the song emphasizes the persistent and haunting nature of these echoes. The final stanzas suggest a feeling of desperation as the singer acknowledges their falling and the inability to stop themselves. The line "I thrust my fist into the post, I still insist I see the ghosts" portrays the singer's frustration and inner conflict, as they continue to confront the repercussions of their past.
Overall, "Echoes of You" delves into the complex emotions and inner battles that arise from facing the consequences of one's past actions. It highlights the lingering impact and echoes of guilt, regret, and remorse that can affect one's present and future. The lyrics capture the struggle of trying to move forward while constantly being reminded of past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
I've never given into madness
I have always kept my sanity and never let madness take over
Never given into madness
I have never succumbed to madness
I keep an eye on the chamber door
I remain watchful and cautious, guarding against potential harm
But I'm better now than before
I have improved and made progress in overcoming past struggles
No, I never really panicked
I never truly panicked or lost control
You inhale 'til your lungs get sore
You exhaust yourself by constantly seeking reassurance or familiarity
But that's not who I am anymore
I have transformed and evolved, leaving behind my old self
But stirs of whispers trail and linger
Whispers and rumors persist and continue to affect me
You still haunt the corner of my eye
Your presence still lingers in my peripheral vision
Those remnant faces fleeting traces of you
The traces and memories of your face quickly appear and disappear
Haunt the corner of my eye
They continue to trouble and disturb my thoughts
Oh, echoes of you
Persistent reminders of your existence
Repeating from the beating of your tell-tale heart
Recurring echoes originating from your unmistakable heart
Of your heart
Originating from your core being
Repeating from the beating of your heart
Echoing sounds that come from within your heart
You know I tried to make it vanish
I made every effort to erase or make it disappear
I just want to make it vanish
All I desire is to eliminate it completely
But the notes of an old mistake
The reminders of a past error
Still ring louder every day
Continue to resonate and grow more prominent with each passing day
From a little to a manic
From a minor concern to an obsessive state
A cacophony of frantic
A chaotic and frenzied sound
A relentless refrain
A persistent and repetitive reminder
Is the only thing that remains
It is the sole element that persists
Can't stop my falling now
I am unable to prevent my descent or decline
Who said don't look down
Someone advised me not to confront my fears or face reality
I thrust my fist into the post
I forcefully strike an object in frustration or anger
I still insist I see the ghosts
I stubbornly maintain that I perceive ghostly figures
Repeating from the corner of my eye
Continuously echoing from the edge of my vision
Repeating from the corner of my mind
Recurring thoughts and memories that occupy a hidden part of my consciousness
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Josh Ramsay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@daisylune9858
LYRICS
I've never given into madness
Never given into madness
I keep an eye on the chamber door
But I'm better now than before
No I, I never really panicked
No I never really panicked
You inhale till your lungs get sore
But that's not who I am anymore
But stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
Those remnant faces fleeting traces of you
haunt the corner of my eye
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of you heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart now
You know I tried to make it vanish
I just want to make it vanish
But the notes of an old mistake
Still ring louder every day
From a, from a little to a manic
A cacophony a frantic
A relentless refrain is the only thing that remains
Well stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
Those remnant faces fleeting traces of you
haunt the corner of my eye
Oh Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating of your
Tell-tale heart
Oh echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the beating
Of your heart
Of your heart
Of your heart now
Stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
The remnant faces fleeting traces of you
haunt the corner of my eye
Stirs of whispers trail and linger
You still haunt the corner of my eye
The remnant faces fleeting traces of you
haunt the corner of my eye
(Heeeeyyyy)
Can't stop my falling now
Who said don't look down
I can't stop my falling now
Who said, you said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said, you said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said, you said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said, you said don't look down
I can't stop myself from falling
I can't stop myself from falling now
Who said, you said don't look down
I thrust my fists into the posts
I still insist I see the ghosts
I can't stop myself from falling now
Don't look down
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the corner of my eye
(Corner of my eye)
Echoes of you
Echoes of you
Repeating from the corner of my mind
(Took a while to do, but these lyric videos, though very cool are difficult to follow when trying to sing along)
@AminiumMusics
this song is so good! so energetic!! <3
@bumblebee4939
It’s crazy, for like almost six years I’ve changed and developed but my passion for this band has remained untouched and still shining its brightest colours
@danix3638
Ive been loving them for about 7 years more or less 😀
@bumblebee4939
Dani X oh cool!
@marinapalmer4059
SAME
@stratavosstuff7575
they're not unchanged... there was the goonies inspired album that I just... couldn't get behind.
@Trevor1664
This is the perfect contrast to Only the Lonely Survive. I’m glad they’re still using some of their older sound in this album.
@sleepingcolours
Omfg..the lyrics. The vibes. The strings. The drums. What an beautiful, epic song. The whole thing is stunning, but 3:25 onwards is just something else. Wow. Never been more proud to be a fan of you guys. 😍
@sabrinapederson6273
sleeping colours, I gave you your 100th like, I feel like a boss.
@Deviantial
That's all Roger Joseph Manning Jr's contribution right there.