Marko Bruiser – “Forever Rad”
Indi rock can be so lame, so aggressive and noncommittal. So- “Hey, we can be ironic so it looks like we don’t mean it.”
Classic rock can be pretty dumb. “Yeah, let’s rock on- as long as we disconnect our brains while doing so,
I feel punk rock is almost always so potently, passionately, pure and powerful- but not everyone adds some thoughtful perceptions and sensitivity to that effective, explosive package.
Well, look no further. Your prayers have been answered. God has forgiven you for all the wicked things you do to yourself when you’re alone. When you’re under the false impression that no one is looking and can’t see the filthy, depraved things that you do!
Oh, No! God sees all! I know because I follow him on instagram and he posts videos of all your disgusting, vile habits.
But now I have him blocked- Thank God! So my eyes are safe now, while I continue to try to get all these sordid images out of my mind.
But now let’s get some of Marko’s more wholesome sounds into our ears:
Beginning with a great, grungy, crunching, cool classic guitar riff, “Your Favorite Place” signals to our ears that they will be soon traveling to their favorite destination. And after a shout out of, “1,2,3 Go!”- we’re off on a Ramones like romp with gruff, but melodic vocals expressing a love song.
“All I ever wanted was a girl like you. Now, I’ve found you! Now, I’ve found you!”
This is a perfect example of Marko combining punk energy with alternative angst, classic and punk guitars along with heartfelt lyrics. Think of Dinosaur Jr. jamming with The Ramones and The Steve Miller Band sitting in and you might get an idea, a glimpse of this magic.
Starting with a throbbing, heartbeat of a bass pulse, “Gave To Myself” continues with the line, “I live with so much regret, that most of the time I can’t handle it.” The voice slightly quivers as the subtle, tribal beat moves on.
The vocals erupt with emotion as a fuzztone guitar lead compliments them perfectly. “I’ve reached my breaking point and I can’t face this life for one more day.” I only feel praise for someone who can be so open and true and write a song so great. (Second favorite on this release).
“Don’t Believe What”- I guess, that’s your prerogative, but this song is a heaping, healthy dose of energetic, excited exuberance that plants your face and ears fully against an avalanche of an awesome sounding landslide. Though I can’t say for sure if you’ll believe or agree with me, but this is one great, propulsive, poppin’ punk song that rules and that I believe in.
“Keep It Outta My Life” may be short and sweet or rather, sweet and sour. But no need to check your fortune cookie. “Well, everything will be all right as long as I keep it outta my life.” The answer is soon revealed.
“As long as I keep alcohol outta my life.” And I agree if that’s your poison. This song is short and sweet but also poignant, pleasing and perfect.
“I wanna be the one you’re thinking of when you’re listening to your favorite song.” A great line from “England” a kind of love song from a boy in New England to a girl across the sea in England.
“I want to hold your hand, I want to be your man” -that references early songs by both The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. There’s an awesome, icy, sixties Farfisa organ sound that arrives maybe making some think of Blondie or for me, roller skating emporiums. This tune is both intensely strong and breezily carefree making it very unique which wins my favorite song on this release.
So Marko Bruiser straddles the styles and differences between punk, classic rock and indi avoiding any and all the pratfalls while somehow landing in a sweet spot that connects all these genres.
And besides all the music terms I could toss up into the air, hoping no one gets seriously hurt while doing so. What makes his music always remarkable is his writing- which is always honest, vulnerable, intense, heartfelt and real.
And in our modern times often filled with distance and irony, it’s great to hear someone not just recording music, but recording their most private thoughts and feelings. Making one feel that you’re inside their mind experiencing their regrets and joys, their disappointments and fears.
But I never fear listening to a Marko Bruiser release as I’m never disappointed.
Because just like the title of this recording- he is forever rad.
(Slimedog)
