Search - Manda and The Marbles :: Angels With Dirty Faces

Fantastic Band

M. Ramsey | Oklahoma City, OK USA | 03/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Angels With Dirty Faces has a slightly softer edge than MATM's spectacular previous release, More Seduction, but the most important aspect of the new album is that it shows the excellent songwriting exhibited on the previous disc was no fluke. One great song after another tumbles out of Angels, with nothing that's less than inspired anywhere in sight. MATM has proven they can do a wonderful job with covers, but Manda's original material is what shines most brightly here. Beyond-catchy songs like Say Anything, Lipstick, Simple Things and Boys Will Be Boys remain in one's head long after the last note has played.



The incredibly fun, catchy songs are what allow this record to be great, but the effect on the listener wouldn't be the same without a strong band to back them up. Manda plays a very capable bass, Joe Damage offers sharp, very well-crafted guitar work, the newly added Elias Dubok plays an important role on keyboards, and powerhouse drummer Mark Slak helps bring everything together and prevents the sound from ever getting TOO soft. There are some obvious 80's influences here, but the sound is not retro - Manda & Co. are definining their own little homeplace in today's musical world.



Manda & The Marbles want to take us all for a sonic joyride. I can't imagine why anyone who enjoys rock & roll would want to resist."

Wow

S. Matejic | Ohio | 03/02/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't believe how much I like this cd. Something new surprises me every time I give it a spin. At first I was hooked by the super catchy songs, then I realized there was something special under all those addictive rhythms. It seems that every song has a standout line that is super quotable. This band just really knows how to write songs. The lyrics are sometimes clever, sometimes poignant and always worth a closer listen. This band isn't just a delicious candy shell, it has the chocolate filling to match.



If you're looking for music that is fun to listen to, or looking for songs about more than the same old cliches this cd is worth picking up. Its nice to know thst there's someone out there writing music that has style and substance."

IF YOU DON'T HAVE THIS CD, YOU LIVE AN INCOMPLETE EXISTENCE!

Michael P. Laughlin | Verona, PA United States | 02/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD rules, pure and simple! It's as close to a perfect CD as you can possibly get. Manda and the Marbles are an incredible new wave/power pop band from Columbus, OH, who play some of the catchiest (But still hard rocking) pop tunes I have ever heard. Manda's sweet but tough voice is a wonder to behold, while Joe's guitar and Mark's drums toughen up the sound. Elias' keyboards add a subtle texture and give some of the songs a cool 80s feel to them.



The CD starts off with a great rabble rousing track, "The Kids Just Wanna Dance," and if it doesn't get you off your feet and dancing, you might want to check your pulse. "Lipstick" sounds like a lost Cars' song, while "Simple Things" beautifully showcases the band's balance between light and heavy. "Boys Will Be Boys" is a wry look at a rumble.



The band will be hitting the road soon, so get this CD so you can familiarize yourself with the material before they come to your town. If they do come, don't miss them, because they're even more amazing live than they are on their CD, if such a thing is possible.



BTW, only a retard would think this band and their new CD is retarded. Then again, maybe I shouldn't be saying that...it's insulting to those who do suffer from mental retardation.



Mike"