The Viennese band Marta around Paul Plut presents a small masterpiece with their album “Shipwrecks”.
Paul Pluto has done it again. After the Viennese musician with Upper Styrian roots released his third solo album entitled “Herbarium” this spring, there is now a new release, but this time with his blues punk band Marta. Although Paul Plut’s solos mainly rely on texts in dialect and usually dig deep musically and in terms of content – the musician was recently seen in an intense solo performance at the Academy Bar in Salzburg - this time he sings the song in English, matching with. the genre a little more lively.
Pleasant interplay of text and music
When creating the songs, Marta is a trio; the live pieces are played in the best White Stripes style with Paul Plut on guitar and drummer Günther Paulitsch. The texts were written by Julia Hager, Paul Plút’s partner. What the two of them deliver now on “Shipwrecks” (swan song), Marta’s third album, is nothing other than congenial. Because Paul Plut finds the perfect mood and musical melodies for Julia Hager’s often graphic and bitter lyrics.
The lively opener “Empty House” sets the direction for the album: distorted guitars roaring with a driving drum beat. Not uniform, but always after dynamics, irresistible melodies bubble out of the speakers, some with a charming low-fi aesthetic. You could also call it grunge pop. All together with texts in which Paul Plút pulls out every vocal stop while interpreting them: sometimes they cry, sometimes they are happy, sometimes they cry quietly.
“Oh honey, I wish you luck”
The critique of capitalism “Raiffeisen Bank International” is particularly brutal and a little funny, before skilfully focusing on climate change with the sad and beautiful “Requiem for a Bee”. “Beluga whale and polar bear, honey bee, I wish you luck. Atlantic salmon, mountain goat, only time will tell,” he says. And in addition: “Glaciers are melting, ice floes are breaking, we are making fossils.” The small, rather reserved song works so well precisely because it does not rely on a grand gesture when it comes to the subject, but presents extinction and disappearance as something that happens quietly and almost casually: “A climate feedback loop going round and round , one by one in the ground, in the ground.”
After this bitter realization, it’s time to enthusiastically express the achievements of modern civilization: With “Superglue” (what else?), Julia Hager once again proves herself to be a master of the lyrical-associative calculation , complete with large. triumphant But “Shipwreck” is not the only crazy wide world imagined, there is also a lot of space for stories and personal reflections – meaning is given to the daily routine, and always with a loving eye on the tragic-comic cracks that exist. Musically, we also turn down a gear.
Marta’s concert in Saalfelden – Viech’s new album in the spring
If the playing time of the ten songs on the album (almost 27 minutes) is not enough for you, let us know that Paul Plut’s next album is already in the starting blocks for spring 2025: Then his third project band, that is indie pop. Band Viech, presenting a new work. And if you want to experience Marta’s powerful, energetic rock ‘n’ roll live, we recommend the formation’s performance this Friday at the Nexus in Saalfelden (November 29, 6 pm).
How does Paul Plut’s collaboration with his band Marta differ from his solo work?
Interview: The Sound of Shipwrecks - A Conversation with Paul Plut of Marta
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Paul! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. I recently had the opportunity to listen to your band Marta’s latest album, “Shipwrecks,” and I must say, it’s a captivating piece of work. How would you describe this album in a nutshell?
Paul Plut: Thank you for having me! I’d say “Shipwrecks” is an emotional journey that combines vivid imagery and a gritty soundscape. We aimed to blend intense lyrics with captivating melodies, creating a sort of grunge pop vibe that feels both raw and refined.
Time.news Editor: You’ve had quite an impressive solo career, especially with your previous album, “Herbarium.” What motivated you to collaborate with your band Marta for this project?
Paul Plut: Marta is a special project for me, blending my solo work’s intensity with a band dynamic. After releasing “Herbarium,” I felt the urge to explore a different sound and atmosphere with my bandmates. This collaboration brings a liveliness and energy that is quite distinct from my solo work.
Time.news Editor: The opener “Empty House” sets a high-energy tone right from the start. What inspired the musical direction for this track and the album overall?
Paul Plut: “Empty House” really embodies that driving force of our sound – it’s all about creating an irresistible groove. The inspiration came from the raw energy that bands like The White Stripes bring to their music. We aimed for that pulse—the guitars, drums, and vocals all working together to create something dynamic and engaging.
Time.news Editor: The lyrics penned by Julia Hager are incredibly poignant. How do you feel her words complement the music?
Paul Plut: Julia’s lyrics are the heart of our songs. They have this graphic and often bittersweet quality that pushed me to explore a wider emotional range in my vocal performances. The synergy between her words and the music is crucial; I strive to create melodies that enhance her lyrical themes, be it joy, sorrow, or sarcasm.
Time.news Editor: One standout track is “Requiem for a Bee.” Can you share your thoughts on its themes, particularly regarding climate change?
Paul Plut: “Requiem for a Bee” is a reflection on both loss and hope. We wanted to spotlight the environmental crisis in an unexpected way. Instead of a heavy-handed approach, the song’s more subdued tone invites listeners to ponder the fragility of our ecosystems. It reminds us that, in the midst of chaos, there’s still room for empathy and action.
Time.news Editor: You also critique capitalism in “Raiffeisen Bank International.” How do you balance humor and seriousness in your songwriting?
Paul Plut: I think humor serves as a great vehicle for serious commentary. In “Raiffeisen Bank International,” the juxtaposition of brutal truths with a slightly funny tone creates a space for reflection. It allows listeners to engage with weighty subjects while still being entertained. I believe that music shouldn’t just provoke thought; it should make you feel alive and connected—sometimes laughter is the best way to achieve that.
Time.news Editor: Last question, Paul: What do you hope listeners take away from “Shipwrecks”?
Paul Plut: I really hope listeners feel a connection to the themes of the album, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or concern. Music has this magical power to evoke emotions and provoke conversation. If my songs can inspire listeners to reflect on their experiences and perhaps spark change, then I’ve done my job well.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Paul! It’s been enlightening to hear your insights about “Shipwrecks” and your artistic journey. We’re looking forward to what you’ll create next!
Paul Plut: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. Keep listening!
