The fact that the members of Marah themselves were obviously having an exceptional time performing for you --and they truly did make you feel as if they are doing the show just for you -- added to the general feeling of euphoria that filled the tiny, packed club. With the Brothers Bielanko, David, and Serge, clearly in charge, this group of musicians gels in amazing ways live. With vocals sounding eerily like those of Bruce Springsteen and lyrics that would make them blush in embarrassment, the Bielanko boys have crafted some fine, sweet rock and roll music.
“Faraway You” and “Roundeye Blues” typify their sound: full force, good ole’ American Rock and Roll, à la Creedence, CSNY, the Byrds, and too many others to mention. Complete with some hot banjo pickin’ and some of the meanest lap steel guitar I have ever seen, Marah's performance showed that they surely knows how to rock like few young men do. With influences that are soulfully based in their hometown of Philly, these boys put more sweat and heart into their one hour slot than many headliners do in a major arena. Hopefully it won’t be too long till they are gracing the stages of said venues themselves.
The anthemic strains of “Point Breeze” and “Christian St.” had the audience, comprised primarily by members of the music industry, singing along (or at least tapping their toes) to songs many hadn’t heard before. But that’s exactly the kind of music Marah is so superb at making: tunes that have been stuck in the back of your mind somewhere for years, just waiting to find an outlet! Once you hear them, you will never forget them... so strong are their melodies and lyrics. Can you think of another band getting away with a song titled “The History of Where Someone Has Been Killed”? And what a song it was live -- pure poetry in music.
OK. I have raved enough about this band, I am sure you get the point. I LOVE MARAH! There, I said it... and I am not embarrassed to say it aloud. . .
I LOVE MARAH! I LOVE MARAH! I LOVE MARAH!
I have unburdened my soul and feel so much better now.
The Luna Lounge
(New York, NY)
reviewed by j bloomrosen
