Marah

Philadelphia band Marah has been at it for more than a decade, playing cozy rock with Americana roots. In its early days, the group drew comparisons to The Replacements, who had a similar musical focus, but Marah has since grown into its sound, particularly on 2005’s excellent If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry. The album reflects the influence of classic American songwriters such as Townes Van Zandt and Neil Young, but Marah channels that into something all its own. 2008’s Angels Of Destruction keeps the roots vibe going strong, and Life Is A Problem—released in 2010—goes even further. Recorded almost entirely in an Amish farmhouse in Pennsylvania, Problem overflows with skittering hooks and pregnant refrains. 

Updated 06/01/2011