Usually when people talk about the notorious poster children of Polaris (and one of the best hearted, yet most controversial/polarizing bands in Canada), the discussion focuses on the rather large, shirtless front man. Despite the technical proficiency and vitality each musician brings to the table, the point of entry (and sometimes exit) for Fucked Up is the assuming figure known as Pink Eyes.
For me, Fucked Up works best when Damian’s vocals are leveled in the mix and the band lets their pop edge bubble up. That’s why Matt DeLong and Ben Cook’s side project, Marvelous Darlings, sounds so fantastic. Marvelous Darlings started like countless other bands (a lazy, poolside session) and their love of garage rock from across the pond isn’t exactly a novel concept either, but hot damn these songs smoke.
Apparently the jams — the quartet has released a collection of hard to find or out of print 7″ — first surfaced a few years ago, but when you deliver a fresh take on the classic jam space sound, release dates are irrelevant. The first single from Single Life (out on November 22nd) is the infectious, snotty anti-art school anthem, “I Don’t Want To Go To The Party.” The two-minute gem has everything; buzz saw guitars, harmonies and a hook that could weaken the knees of a young Thomas Hearns.
In their brief existence, Marvelous Darlings managed to piss off venues despite only playing a few shows and reached underground cult status without ever recording a full length. Single Life is a collection of their past, a greatest hits for a band without any hits or maybe a hint at what could have been, but it’s the type of introduction that turns strangers into friends and friends into lovers. I’m not sure how you can hear these songs and not become a fan. Head to Deranged Records and pony up and get ready for new songs and dates in 2012.
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MP3:: Marvelous Darlings – I Don’t Want To Go To The Party
WEB:: http://www.myspace.com/marvelousdarlings