Marge's "Not Bad" is actually awesome!
Marge's EP "Not Bad" is the kind of follow-up recording one would expect from the strikingly talented band that brought us "Marge," their self titled first album. Rather than being not bad, the EP is actually awesome!
I needed something to get me ready to plod through sludgy city streets to get a tooth pulled (party time!), when I found Marge. "Raincheck," the first song on "Not Bad," struck me as an applicable title for how I wanted to deal with the day, so I pressed play. "Not Bad" isn't a long EP but it is brimming with a sound that is so alluringly brash and dulcet, that you will want to play it all the way through in one go, and if you have 15 minutes to get your socks rocked, you can. It's melodic garage punk at it's finest.
What drew me in first about Marge's "Raincheck" was that their music reminded me a bit of the Shangri Las.... if they decided to get assertive and hit up the indie punk scene. Marge features high lilting vocals which are shot through with punkish enthusiasm, rounded out by killer guitar hooks, distinct solid bass lines and expertly executed drums that add a raucous edge to their music.
Songs like the reverb ridden "To-Do" have vibe in line with a style more like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, pulling away from the 60s element and the subtle sweetness that goes with it. The congruence of the "Not Bad" isn't hurt at all by the added complexity. Rather the knifes edge of forthrightness with a brush of agitated, creates a captivating tension that rings throughout the EP in the clever lyrics and ragged garage rock sound. There is something enticing about the frankness of the lyrics which are assertive rather than apologetic when it comes to emotional expression. Lyrics like “I’m not worse but I’m not any better" are sung in such a way as to say "This is just how it is, deal with it." The songs tend to offer a realist view of relatable sentiments. There are days when you might feel crazy, or like you want to do more than "just get by" but, as Marge has recognized in the creation of these songs, you aren't the only one.
They are a great band for a day when you need some energy but don't want to be blasted by anything too upbeat (seriously, sometimes it's ok to turn down a bit.) Give Marge a listen, especially if you find yourself trudging through a long afternoon or soggy streets. You'll be glad you did.
Better yet, you can check out Marge live at their upcoming gigs in Philly! They'll be playing March 28th at (doors at 8pm) at the Pharmacy and at First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia on May 30th at (doors at 7pm) for Glocca Morra's last show.
- A.H.
*We hold no claim to the cover art.