The New Catastrophes “Weather The Storm” On New Album
San Jose, CA's The New Catastrophes have released their new album, Weather The Storm, via streaming platforms, as a free…
Marathon – Self-Titled
Marathon
Self Titled - Reignition Records
When I saw this CD, I had no pre-conceptions as to what it would sound like. I had never heard the band before, nor had I ever heard any comparisons of them towards other bands. Their label, Reignition Records was unknown to me (turns out, it’s just Law Of Inertia Records under a brand new name), so I had no idea as to what the label’s sound is normally like. So, all in all, Marathon‘s self-titled debut didn’t excite me one bit.
That is, until I put the CD in my computer. From that opening shout of “Let’s start a war! Let’s start a war!“, I was excited; and that emotion has yet to slow down.
If you thought punk was dead. That punk had become a corporate selling point and the scene has been flooded with wanna be posers, then Marathon is here to change your mind. To remind you that punk is still alive and kicking, you just need to know where to find it. And they are determined to help you find it, but smacking together thirteen incredible melodic punk tunes that will easily kick anyone back to reality.
The songs are quick, an onslaught of guitar riffs along with nasally Billie Joe Armstrong-esque vocals that sound real rather then fake or forced just come flying at you in an instant. The songs are able to pull you in with its catchy melodies and harmonies even without the use of the verse-chorus-verse song structure. They don’t use any choruses as they tackle a slew of subjects that any angst-filled teen can connect with. They attack wars, sing about broken friendships, living in a van and the need in everyone to just let go and dance without any constraints forced upon them. You can’t help but sing along and tap your foot; and the addition of the short 45 second acoustic song just makes the album complete.
So go to the stores on May 31st, head to the punk section and pick up Marathon‘s Self-titled debut. Run home, throw it in your CD player and press play. Grab the booklet, get ready to sing along and be prepared to be thrown back in time and reminded as to what melodic punk should sound like.
