MARBIN — Breaking The Cycle (review)

MARBIN — Breaking The Cycle album cover Album · 2011 · Jazz Related Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
js
Marbin is one of the more interesting jazz influenced instrumental rock bands to come along in a while. On their second album, “Breaking the Cycle”, they combine lyrical melodies with a touch of jazzy improv to create an eclectic smorgasbord of instrumental colors. Although quite capable of rockin out when called upon, Marbin’s songs tend to focus on strong melodies that are often sentimental in nature, but never cloying or maudlin. The difference between Marbin and other instrumental rock bands with a 70s style sensitive side is that Marbin’s two leaders have considerable jazz level instrumental skills. Guitarist Dani Rabin can fly on the fret board, but often uses the modern melodic devices known to expressive guitarists like Steve Vai and Oz Noy. Even more impressive is the fleet fingered saxophone work of Danny Markovitch who has a sweet Paul Desmond like sound on the alto, and a very pretty and refined oboe like sound on the soprano that may remind some of Wayne Shorter’s work with Weather Report.

A large part of this album is given to ballad like melodic pieces which gives Marbin an almost nostalgic sound reminiscent of early progressive rock artists like Focus and Phil Manzenera. Fortunately melody is a strong point with this band and their tunes are never cliché and usually develop in bold and interesting ways. Aside from the melodic pieces, Danni Rabin plays intense guitar solos on the industrial blues-rocker “Bar Stomp”, and the whole band takes flight on the African flavored thunderous groove piece, “Loopy”.

Fans of jazzy instrumental rock will find a lot to like here. Marbin’s music is often mellow and reflective, but never sappy, plus they never sound like new age hucksters either. This band’s two lyrical leaders play with a very polished sensitivity and virtuosity that lifts this band far beyond the cliché and mundane.
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