The Marshmellows are Ian Marsh doing absolutely splendid vocals and keys, Marshall Stackwith doing very psychedelic guitars and vocals, Grant Deed on bass and vocals, and Dez Baker on drums. Chris Shryack guest guitars on "Smoke."
Drumming is Ringo-steady, bass McCartney-poised, and guitars exude that Harrison warmth and tone. Marsh's voice is 80% Lennonesque but you can hear Supertramp too. Think retro-pop psychedelia. Marsh's vocals are eerie echoes of John Lennon and that Beatles' harmonizing. His song composing is topnotch. Hooks are strong and multi-barbed. Vintage Beatles sound comes through loud and clear on "Mad Sense of Alice," "Rainy Day," "Silver Jets," and "Good Enough." With a lively, upbeat, melodic bassline driving things, "Beast of the City" is very Oasis. The keys and dance floor beat in "Glass House" is mid '80s Tears For Fears or Wang Chung teen angst. "All the Way to the Bank" has a late Lennon introspective testimonial with cynical sarcasm in its lyrics. We sign off with "Goodbye #917" which is most likely the signature Marshmellows sound. We outro with classic Beatles pyscho-babble and other aural marginalia.
© John W. Patterson /TiVo