All genres have their limitations, all suffer from clichés and unwanted baggage, which are often exacerbated and heightened by many bands in their desire to adhere to the tried-and-tested formula. What I find so appealing about Marine Store Dealer is that not only do they blend sounds from various genres, but they start with an interesting slant on those component parts.
Within their latest single, “Dead Men’s Songs,” you can hear the mix of infectious pop, cool indie attitudes, and rock swagger all coming together, but they do it unlike anyone else I know.
Their pop accessibility is one woven of elegant and eloquent textures, contagious yet sophisticated. Their indie moves are off-beat and underground, far removed from the identikit sound of the past twenty or so years. Their energy comes from the swing of rock ‘n’ roll, sure, but rather than the boring bombast of modern rock, the sort of thing typically made by earnest men in big shorts. Groove and grace rather than grit and grind!
Add to that dreamscape textures and post-rock approaches to soften everything and lyrics that speak of social unrest, political decay, and personal disenfranchisement, and you have the template for the perfect contemporary sound —one that will appeal to everyone from discerning alt-pop pickers to forward-thinking indie kids to modern rockers alike. (And everyone in between.)
No, this is the sound of well-chosen core sounds being curated and blended to perfection, resulting in something that is both totally fresh yet slightly familiar, creatively alternative yet brilliantly accessible. This feels like the sound of underground music going overground, cool music going commercial.
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