Marble Mammoth - Glitch (self-released)

“Glitch” is one of those songs that certainly falls into the rock category, but which is also so much more than such a label could ever fully cover. But that is genres for you; they are generally so broad, so vague, and so undefined that there is room to pursue a very singular sonic goal whilst sitting comfortably under such a broad umbrella. I guess that is why the metal fraternity has so many sub-genres, so many demarcations and divides, so many post-this and that-cores. But let’s not go down that route. No, let us just admit that genres are pointless and revel in the rock/not rock of Marble Mammoth.

Anyone who has been paying attention to their trajectory will see that this is a band that is restless, constantly reinventing itself, and who realizes that for them, at least, there is no final, perfect form. And all of that is reflected in this glorious single, a single which acts to test the water and tease the crown ahead of their forthcoming EP Misty Days.

“Glitch” itself runs on that same restless and relentless groove, one that seems to be driving forward, purposefully and gleefully, into the unknown. On this, the band hangs all manner of alt-rock energy and almost mathy finesse, delicate breakdowns and sonic crescendos, exploratory forms, and adventurous functions.

And if their music is big, it is also clever. Lyrically, they explore ideas surrounding the loss of identity in a world where validation comes from likes and followers and how we have a love/hate relationship with this virtual world, both seeking to master it yet at the same time aware of its fabricated nature.

Rock? Yes, of course. But rock that is pushing beyond the usual volume and velocity, the tired old bravado and bombast of that world. This is rock music that is smart and sassy, muscular and melodic, poignant and purposeful. It looks like intelligent rock music is back on the menu. At last!

Facebook
Spotify
Soundcloud
YouTube
Instagram