Album Details

• Artist: Band Marino
• Album: The Sea And The Beast
• Label: Street Parade Records
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: kev_stev on 2007-07-09

Media

Just when you think you've heard it all, a band comes along with such a unique and refreshing sound that it completely blows you away, making you wonder what else you could be missing out in the indie world.  For me, that experience came along when I listened to The Sea and the Beast by Band Marino, a band who takes elements of progressive, rock and roll, and folk to fruition--creating an extremely original, ardent album that is propelled by the interesting use of guitars, mandolins, banjos, and harmonicas.  Beginning with "American Patroit," where lead singer Nathan Bond's passionate vocals are introduced as an eerie whistling resounds in the background, Beast quickly reveals to the listener that this is no run-of-the mill band.  Barely one minute into the song, a chorus of voices chant as the relentless striking of guitars create speedy oscillations of dynamics;s uddenly, though, Bond's whimsical vocals stifles the song's tempo and violins mournfully ring in the background as "American Patriot" fades.

The most groundbreaking and riveting song on the album, though, is "Chasing Rainbows," which begins with a folksy, banjo-driven beat and plays through most of the song calmly and innocuously.  However, as the song winds down the tempo suddenly changes; the vocals being to fade and the banjos resound, as the momentum gradually, and nervously, increases.  A roaring scream is then let out and the strings are speedily played, breaking into a climatic crescendo that takes elements of country/folk and blends them with the power of rock and roll, resulting in an unforgettable amalgamation of genres.

This album is completely original and refuses to be ignored; it is filled with warmth and emotion,  and it breaks the conventional genre boundaries while keeping the album's cohesiveness in tact.  It is highly recommended for anyone that likes experimental and/or alternative music.

User Reviews and Comments