AWmusic

While it’s true every band I have written about I have enjoyed enough to promote, I do tend to keep a mental note of some that I feel can be contenders for something bigger and more special. Last year my radar was on The Maine and Forever The Sickest Kids among others, and I’m certain this year or perhaps next year will be the emergence of The Marquee Act. Getting down to the nitty gritty, I find The Marquee Act boast a very pure form of powerpop. The Marquee Act is imaginative in ways I’ve only seen amongst my favourites, and they deliver their music in a very classic sort of form. No added bells and whistles, just good honest talent that I can appreciate from a mile a way. What really grabbed my attention were their similarities to Jack’s Mannequin of old, Everything in Transit being my all time favourite album. TMA has a similar style of vocals and melody composition, sharing the same extended use of keys.

To begin, Letters That I Wrote Her starts off with an almost spitting sound of Something Corporate, not to say that they are a rip-off but that they have a sound just as amazing. It begins with a nice little guitar melody and leads in to vocals and keys which are upbeat and catchy. The vocals itself are very calming and pleasant, a sound I have missed for some time. A lot of bands take a more dramatic path and use a variety of levels to express emotion, but the calm vocals work just fine for me. Combined with the sweet melody it makes a traditional powerpop track that is positive yet calm, without the need for wild synths or unexpected transitions. Although I’m a fan of crazy super upbeat powerpop, my first experiences were with bands just like The Marquee Act.

Skin and Bone follows with a less upbeat track but remains calm and collective if not more. The general delivery is much the same, with cool vocals and rich repetitive instrumentals that collaborate for a clean sound. The tone of the music takes on a darker role as emphasized by the slower pace, and while not upbeat, it is still profoundly powerpop. I was impressed with the diversity in their music while having only three songs on display.

Material Things is the final track, and is absolutely fantastic. It starts off with a catchy keyboard melody, which is easily my Achilles heal when it comes to powerpop. Though the keys are not the least bit intricate, it is perhaps the simplicity that I find to be most attractive. I also loved the vocals and lyrics in this track, something that is meaningful and well delivered. The entire composition was fantastic, with perfect drum and guitar placements, and an ear catching melody in both the verse and chorus. This brand of powerpop is something that is honest, pleasing, and important which is a fantastic combination. I find when it comes to this genre it’s always the insanely party/dance type or the fundamentally sound bands that get noticed, and this is one of the later.

The Marquee Act is a very interesting band, being fresh, but having a very seasoned sound. While it just may be my versions, but even the recordings sounded very raw (not studio quality) yet the music was so polished. I’ll be keeping an eye on The Marquee Act, because they are nothing but quality in every aspect. They have really gotten me excited for 2009, with just three songs they have already won me over in a way that few bands have. While my favouritism might be seeping out because of the wicked keys, I honestly believe this to be a band that can make a run for the top, whether on just my list or in the mainstream.

Check out their Myspace for the other two tracks.

The Marquee Act – Material Things