Three words: steampunk renfaire rock. In
case you’ve eaten too many Hater Tots, I’m
not saying that’s a bad thing. In the hands of
keyboardist Debbie Shair (her main gig is with rock’s famed
sister act Heart) on piano and synths, and her musical partner
Todd Jaeger on vocals and guitar, it’s very good indeed. Insofar
as comparing bands to other bands ever does anyone justice,
we’re talking about a morph between the Dickensian folk-rock
of Jethro Tull (“Kon Tiki Parabola”) and Ziggy-era David Bowie
(“The Rock Song”). Really, though, Marizane’s sound is better
described in terms of the fantastical realms where we’re sure
they’d gig if they could: This is the band that would do the
prom at Hogwarts, then fly their dirigible through a dimensional
riff to play at a soiree hosted by Mrs. Coulter in Philip
Pullman’s Golden Compass universe, then entertain the
ghostly clientele of Miyazaki’s Spirited Away bathhouse at
afternoon tea the next day. A bit geeky? Maybe. Hooky,
melodic, full of great musicianship, and guiltily fun? Absolutely.