The origins of Marlon Brando Island lie in the prolific bedroom recordings and determinedly DIY ethos of vocalist and guitarist Marcus Fulcher, whose up-and-at-’em attitude would soon establish him as a notable presence on London’s solo singer/songwriter circuit. However, it took the muscular contributions of Marco Testa Ryan (drums) and Edward J Thorpe (bass) for Fulcher’s sprawling, widescreen songs to realise their full potential. The London trio’s aggressive, experimental, innovative post-punk output has been variously likened to artists as diverse as Shellac, The National, Cloud Nothings, Talking Heads and Future Islands. The glue that binds these disparate influences into a cohesive and intoxicating alt-rock unit is the band’s shared belief that music can be transformational, that it should make such an impression on the listener as to change them for ever. And with a sound as stimulating as Marlon Brando Island’s, that change will only be for the better.
In this interview spotlight, we chat with the band about influences, their newest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and streams below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hello,we’re from London, England. We’re scattered across East London currently. Our style of music drifts across a few areas, we were recently described as cinematic rock which we’d happily live with. Id say cinematic rock, but by way of a DIY indie film. The film is very grand and exciting but there’s a bit of dirt on the film, there are a few wires exposed.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Hmmm, I think as a collective we genuinely believe that music is more often than not the best way of communicating a very specific feeling, or atmosphere efficiently and quickly. A good song can condense an entire novel into three minutes. Sometimes it feels like cheating a little, but I think just the amount of scope that gives three men banging on guitars and drums is exciting enough.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
We recorded A Troubled Past and True Heroes live so it was always intended to capture how we sound at a show. I think we achieved that ,we tried to get everything done as quickly and as efficiently as possible. Sometimes it’s a bit rough around the edges, but we like that.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
I think the challenge that every band faces is finding their audience. The internet world can feel miniscule and enormous simutaneously, which can be frustrating, and more often than not, disheartening at times. A good map is essential, a good guide is even better. I think without digital platforms we’d be in a pretty sorry state. They’re indispensable now.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
Follow us at www.facebook.com/marlonbrandoislandband
Hear us at www.soundcloud.com/marlonbrandoisland
Anything else before we sign off?
Yes, Tom, if you’re reading this. Please stop calling.
