Denison Marrs

Item: Then Is the New Now
Author: Bert Gangl

Then Is the New Now

(2002)

Reviewed by Bert Gangl

Discogs Apple Music

Label Floodgate RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2003

emo indie rock

The ability of any artist to call their musical influences clearly to the mind of the listener without simultaneously hurling down the slippery slope of outright plagiarism is indeed a rare one. For every band like, say, R.E.M. or the Gin Blossoms that has managed to harness the defining essence of their musical inspirations (in this case, the Byrds, among others) and translate that quantity into something decidedly unique and modern-sounding exists untold hundreds of lesser outfits who stop at appropriating only the most obvious aspects of their musical forefathers without adding anything new to the equation. Fortunately for all involved, the four lads of Florida's Denison Marrs have stationed themselves squarely in the former camp for their inspiring second effort, Then Is the New Now.

"What Life Has" begins the proceedings in fine form, bursting from the musical egg with an emo- and grunge-tinged take on '80s alterna-pop. "You Feel Like" and "The Real Ones" function as the perfect follow-ons; the latter is a best-of-album slice of modern pop with a soaring instrumental section that stands in engaging contrast to its incisive look at relational uncertainty. "This Must Be Love" is a lilting romantic ode calling to mind the melodic, sugar-sweet confections of classic '70s power popsters like Badfinger and the Raspberries. And the reworked "Send Me an Angel" is a thoroughly revved-up and rocking relative to the synth-driven original from the early '80s new wave movement.

All in all, the band possesses an unyielding vitality and solid appreciation of timing and melodic content that carry the New Now project grandly from start to finish. Equally impressive is the quartet's ability to portray matters of everyday life realistically without coming across as either gratuitous or morose. Neither of these are small tasks, and the sum of them helps to elevate the Floridian foursome above the better percentage of its peers. Only time will tell whether the DM collective will be able to maintain its current level of artistic merit and success over the long haul. As it stands, though, the band's sophomore release ensures that both current fans and newcomers alike will be able to pass the time between then and now most enjoyably.

4 tocks