The theory of classic-rock evolution, as devised
by staunch traditionalists like The Black Crowes and Oasis, is centered on
survival of the fittest. Those who can maintain the retro swagger long
enough—at least one decade, with a minimum of two original
members—can go from pretending to be classic-rock bands to simply being them.
Sure enough, almost exactly 10 years after Marah's debut (the memorably titled Let's
Cut The Crap And Hook Up Later On Tonight), the Philly-born and Brooklyn-based band
rocks with the unselfconscious finesse of a grizzled veteran on Angels Of
Destruction! Songwriters
Dave and Serge Bielanko have immersed themselves in classic-rock vocabulary for
so long that it's practically their primary language. "Angels On A Passing
Train" and the terrific rock-soul ballad "Blue But Cool" don't have anything particularly
interesting to say—the lyrics are all about salvation, redemption, and
other big ideas Craig Finn repackages far more ingeniously—but they jump
out of the speakers with just the right mix of conviction and craftsmanship.
Emulating Springsteen back when emulating Springsteen wasn't cool is starting
to pay off.