OLD MAN MARKLEY have released a new little record, also known among connoisseurs as a single. The 7" vinyl comes with a download code and can be purchased directly from the label. For those who do not have a penchant for tactile experiences, the single is also available as a pure download. However, in that case, you only get one song, miss out on the truly beautiful cover, and do not have the vinyl in your hands.
OLD MAN MARKLEY is an 8-member band from Los Angeles. They themselves describe their style as bluegrass-punk rock. While this may initially raise eyebrows, it fits perfectly.
For those who are unfamiliar with bluegrass, the broader term folk might ring a bell, and surely everyone knows the genre folk-punk.
Perhaps some of you are also familiar with hillbilly. That direction aligns with bluegrass.
The band plays, in addition to the usual instrumentation of bass, guitar, and drums, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, washboard, and autoharp (an instrument similar to a zither). Even from the instrumentation, one can tell that they create a sound that was played a lot in the pubs of the USA a few decades ago (and probably is still celebrated today, especially as one moves further into the Midwest, which many Americans refer to as 'the real USA').
The combination of bluegrass and punk rock elements creates a perfect blend that is catchy, exhilarating, and captivating.
The first song “Blood on my Hands” features many bluegrass elements, is carried by the voice of singer Johnny Carey, and is underpinned by a driving drumbeat.
The second song “Folk Song,” which is exclusively reserved for vinyl buyers, is a cover originally written by the band Dillinger Four. Here, even more folk influences come through. The song is somewhat calmer but still quickly draws you in. It’s a song I can easily imagine in a western saloon. People drink, dance, have fun, and it’s loud.
OLD MAN MARKLEY are releasing two songs on this single that showcase their talent and demonstrate that it is possible to blend sophisticated folk and punk rock elements without sounding forced or contrived.
Now the band just needs to make the leap across the big pond to be able to captivate audiences live here as well.
