Marblearchie

Ahhh the Moser Room! I fondly remember many a night spent admiring the opulent décor and having a grand ole time putting away absinthe shots. Punters were loitering near the stage area/dance floor whilst JJ Symon and The Monochrome Fun HQ were nearing the end of their set, belting out infectious songs with a country blues feel, and a fellow Beat writer promised me a review since he was there for their entire set, but alas I’m still waiting.

In the space of 10 minutes, the throng packed the narrow confines of the Moser Room in anticipation for Marblearchie, here to promote single On The Corner. Opening with Next To Me, it’s clear that Marblearchie wear their country/ folk garage influences on their sleeve, and vocalist Mikee sounds a little like a young Bob Dylan without the nasal inflection. His unique vocal delivery suits the laid- back, country drawl and singing the blues is possibly a reflection of our tough economic times.

Further into the set, the trio show us they can rock out as well as effortlessly slide into the slower tracks. A set tempered with catchy guitar hooks, and a rock solid back end, with drummer Leigh hitting those skins with wild abandon and providing back up harmonies, whilst the bassist lays down languid bass lines.

Marblearchie are like shining beacons in the dark, offering respite from trendy synth driven haircut bands, delivering an honest, direct, organic, bare-bones set of well crafted songs that endears us all and gives us all hope that everything will be OK. Mikee has a commanding yet affable stage presence, and establishes rapport with the crowd, effortlessly winning over the audience.

Kids Don’t Believe It has just the right amount of melancholy and heart to be a hit, whilst slower country ballad Blood Red Rose and catchy single On The Corner, with searing guitar hooks are aired during the encore, showcasing the breadth of their repertoire. Marblearchie are a band to watch in 2009. Catch them soon.

ANNA MEGALOGENIS
- Beat Magazine