The Marley Woods – Good Times (2024)
Described as a “neo-retro psych rock” band from the USA (St. Louis, to be exact), The Marley Woods pushes the limits of indie, psychedelic rock and power pop to unconventional limits. Moreover, while their sound appeals to a contemporary audience with its edgy modern-ness, it lingers to the vintage trail of The Beach Boys, The Shins, and the Olivia Tremor Control. In fact, their debut single ‘Good Times’ – the one we’re about to review – is a tribute to these iconic bands. Join us as we take a walk with The Marley Woods on their musical journey.
Given that ‘Good Times’ is The Marley Woods’ debut single, I don’t have much history to work with. What I do know is their sound is intriguing. What I do know is the band is a duo although they have the force of a much larger group. I do know that while the production of ‘Good Times’ is sophisticated, whispers of rawness, vulnerability and a little bit of gruffness linger throughout. As the song was “written and recorded through a series of collaborative bedroom demos before eventually being produced by Denny Muller (member of the Mellons)”, enigmatic maturity matches off-kilter naivety.
Combining the talents of Vince Kitowski and Luke Lanzon, ‘Good Times’ drags listeners back to the 1970s and 1980s ala The Beach Boys. Truth be told, the rich vocals are reminiscent of The Beach Boys; however, a 90s richness flutters along prompting the beginning of a unique The Marley Woods sound. A concoction of pulsating drums and soaring guitars with the magical intonations of percussion including bells, a mellotron and glockenspiel, ‘Good Times’ is a song set for those laidback, chilled-out, going-with-the-flow awesome vibes.
While the melody is infectious as a tribute to the good times, it is the vocals that up the ante. Smooth and mellifluous but with tender innocence, the band’s dulcet tones catch the best of yesteryear with an up-and-coming infectiousness. I cannot wait for more from The Marley Woods.
Find out more about The Marley Woods on their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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