Can Marah Save Rock n' Roll From an Slow Death?

By Ed Yashinsky

These are heady days for Marah, a South Philly quartet that draws as much influence from The Mummers as they do from Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, The Stooges, and The Replacements. They have the coolest A&R guy in the business in Steve Earle (yes, that Steve Earle), and their newest release, Kids in Philly, a 37-minute minor opus to The City of Brotherly Love, plays like a snapshot of the South Philadelphia streets that gave birth to the band. And whether they know it or not, Marah just might be able to save rock and roll from the alternative radio death spin that sounds more and more like bad Foghat everyday.

Led by brothers Dave and Serge Bielanko along with bassist Joe Hoover, drummer Mick Bader, and lap steel guitarist Mike Brenner (touring member), the members of Marah seem to spend a lot of time explaining that they are not a country band, even though many of their songs feature a banjo, electric lap steel guitar, and a certain organic feel that lends itself to country comparisons. But then again, that might have more to do with annoying music writers who continue to beat the dead horse they read about in other articles.

"We are definitely influenced by country music, there’s no denying it," explains Serge, 27. "But we certainly can’t be pigeonholed in the alt-country world. When you get down to it, we’re definitely a rock and roll band."

And if Kids in Philly does have a certain country feel, when Marah steps on stage they rest comfortably on the opposite end of the spectrum. Lyrically recalling Bruce Springsteen’s The Wild, the Innocent and the E-Street Shuffle with story songs that wrap winding tales around stripped down guitars and well-produced sonic explosions, the Bielankos musically forego all restraints featuring a dual electric-guitar attack that resembles a runaway locomotive careening downhill. And when Dave does pick up the banjo, he won’t get style points for from bluegrass aficionados for his finger picking either, since he wails away on that poor banjo like it was his beat-up Telecaster. "Live it’s about energy and finding a groove and having people really key into the guitars," explains Serge. "The thing is, we are not for everybody. People see us and say there are no real guitar solos that blew them away, but those people are in the minority."

But live is a small side of Marah. On their debut Let’s Cut the Crap and Hook Up Later On Tonight and again on Kids in Philly, the brothers Bielanko and their soundman Paul Smith holed up in a rented garage to create two records just ragged enough to sound like garage masterpieces. Working as separate songwriters, Dave and Serge focused on two older songs that became the framework for Kids In Philly. "Far Away You" and "Tyrone" have been around a long time, so we sort of built the record up from there in a brick by brick process," explains Dave, 25. "The revision is what makes songs great. A writer becomes a great writer when he revises material; we’re trying to do the same thing with songs."

"It’s a painstaking way to record, but if you have your own space and some decent gear it really gives you the freedom to build songs," adds Serge. "In my mind, some of the greatest rock records were made. Once in a while you nail something on the first take, but if you spend time doing things and working at your craft it sounds better."

Marah’s first record was made on an eight-track recorder with a broken channel that led to it’s very lo-tech sound. However, a copy ended up in Steve Earle’s hands and he was so impressed that he flew to Philadelphia to catch a show. He talked about signing and recording Marah (on his E-Squared label), but they wanted to continue making records in Philadelphia. While many other labels interested in the band were turned off by such a suggestion, Earle embraced the idea and got them some better recording equipment to help build their sound. "We mixed the record with Steve in Nashville, but he liked our recording space so much that his next record, Transcendental Blues, was recorded here using our rhythm section," says Dave. "Steve truly believes in us and we have the utmost respect for him. In my opinion he is one of a handful of the most gifted songwriters ever, right up there with Springsteen and Tom Waits. There are only a few of them, and Steve is definitely one of the best."

With Kids in Philly under their vests, Marah will be continuing their road odyssey that includes headlining shows as well as opening spots for the likes of Government Mule. And wherever they go, Marah will continue to fight to save rock n’ roll. "It’s tough these days to do anything outside of typical Top 40," explains Serge. "It’s nearly impossible to break into radio anymore, so we try to convert fans. We’ve been on some odd bills with bands, but the reception has been incredible. People really dig what they’re hearing and that tells us we’re doing something right."