Marina Zispin’s Disappearing Act: Now You See Her, Now You Don’t

Marina Zispin, a collaborative effort between Bianca Scout and Martyn Reid, presents a new album titled Now You See Me, Now You Don’t. Bianca Scout, a dancer, producer, and choreographer from South London, is known for her ability to take on various personas in her projects. In contrast to her previous work, Pattern Damage, which explored a ballerina’s struggles and emotions, Now You See Me, Now You Don’t has a darker, gothic vibe suited for night-time ravers. The album combines elements of synthpop noir with haunting vocals, complemented by groovy Roland TR-606 beats that beckon listeners to the dancefloor.

Scout’s spectral vocals, paired with Reid’s synth work, create a unique sound that draws from influences like 4AD’s 1980s sound and the aesthetics of Minimal Wave Records. Although both artists hail from the North-East of England, they have pursued distinct artistic paths. Scout’s collaborations with acclaimed artists like Mica Levi and Space Afrika in London have garnered praise, while Reid has delved into darkwave projects, contributing to their diverse musical backgrounds.

One interesting aspect of Marina Zispin’s music is the ability to blend genres and eras seamlessly. For instance, during live performances, Scout transitions from a somber, atmospheric mood akin to Aronofsky’s Black Swan to upbeat 80s French disco, infusing the coldwave synths of ‘Ski Resort’ from Zispin’s previous EP. This ability to create an immersive sonic experience showcases the duo’s creativity and versatility.

The tracks on Now You See Me, Now You Don’t demonstrate Marina Zispin’s eclectic influences. ‘Death Must Come’ opens the album with warped synths reminiscent of electronic music pioneers like Gerald Donald. ‘Piece of Mind’ follows with a blend of guitar melodies, punchy beats, and lush synths that echo the style of artists such as Jessy Lanza. ‘The Tudors,’ a standout track, explores themes of crime and punishment during the reign of the House of Tudors, with Scout’s entrancing vocals drawing comparisons to Carla Dal Forno.

Throughout the album, Marina Zispin pays homage to 1980s post-punk and dream pop, mirroring the stylings of labels like Blackest Ever Black. However, their music transcends mere imitation, adding a fresh perspective to these nostalgic sounds. Tracks like ‘The Scythe’ showcase the duo’s penchant for invoking an eerie, ethereal atmosphere through intricate melodies and haunting vocals.

In essence, Marina Zispin’s Now You See Me, Now You Don’t is a testament to their ability to blend retro influences with contemporary production techniques. By seamlessly weaving together elements of synthpop, noir, and ambient music, the duo creates a mesmerizing auditory experience that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.