New York – Philadelphia duo Marian Hill, comprised of Samantha Gogol and Jeremy Lloyd, brought their sultry blend of jazzy electronic pop to a sold out gig at Rough Trade Records in New York City. The duo have been friends since middle school but only began writing together at the end of college. They quickly shot to the top of the blogosphere after last year’s single “Whiskey”. They consequently released two EPs with the latter, Play And Sway, being released on Photo Finish/Republic Records.
Joined on stage by saxophonist and friend Steve Davit, whose sax solos are an integral component of Marian Hill’s presence, it was exciting to watch the three spectacularly different elements of the band come together in a way that made perfect sense, winning over the audience from the first notes of the opening track “One Time”. The live debut of the already ubiquitous song (noted by BestNewBands here as a track that “delivers a sound that empowers us at the precise intersection of love and lust”) made it clear Marian Hill are more than just a couple of twentysomethings recording tracks in their bedrooms. Gogol’s sexually charged lyrics oozed confidence and that elusive authenticity, while Lloyd’s background in musical theater was clearly evident as his body seemed to exaggerate each note.
It’s clear Marian Hill have come a long way from “Whiskey”, which Gogol reminded the crowd was “the first song they’d ever written”. While other highlights included favorites “Lips” and “Wasted”, the duo also took the chance to debut two new songs, “Talk To Me” and “Doctor”, which followed in the same intelligently crafted yet slow-grindable vein of their past singles. The catchy hooks and lyricisms (“you can get this / let’s get reckless”) had the crowd singing (and dancing) along enthusiastically, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their official release. If there was any doubt Marian Hill deserved to become one of the most talked about new acts, their absolute command of the crowd and venue made it apparent that it won’t be long before they are playing sold out shows at much larger venues.
The duo surprised everyone with a slowed, deliberate take on Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown”. It was was an appropriate and faultless choice, especially given the duo’s frequently cited hip-hop influences. It perfectly segued into their finale “Got It”.
The crowd’s enthusiastic response had the band back on stage for an encore that seemed (as encores go) refreshingly last minute and unplanned. Having already exhausted their still small catalog of live songs, the duo resorted to a differently orchestrated version of “One Time”, which drew an equally appreciative response and whose reinterpretation created an admirably fresh and beguiling sound. With their music evoking visions of smoky clubs and late night encounters, the band left the crowd both fulfilled and wanting more.
Marian Hill is playing Firefly on June 18th.
Photo of Marian Hill live by @mblumemusic
Ruby Hoffman
Latest posts by Ruby Hoffman (see all)
- Luna Aura Captures Cosmic Attention - July 20, 2015
- HOLYCHILD Brings Their Brat Pop To Williamsburg - July 18, 2015
- Small Feet ‘s Stalhamre Talks Wilderness, Labels and More - July 13, 2015
