Review: Marmozets - Knowing What You Know Now

Review: Marmozets – Knowing What You Know Now

After picking up plenty of praise with their 2014 debut, ‘The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets’, the Yorkshire quintet find themselves caught in the tricky task of pulling off that “difficult second album”. In a scene that has flourished with exciting new names in recent years, Marmozets are back to lead the current crop of British rock.

They’ve never been a band to stick to the rulebook and ‘Knowing What You Know Now’ maintains that ethos. Album #2 blends jarring riffs and dynamic hooks with an underlying notion of organic growth. ‘Play’ is a bratty, bouncy opener. Full of punk-infused energy, it instantly throws you in at the deep end with an infectious adrenaline rush.

Without a doubt, Marmozets still heavily rely on delivering versatile and energetic songs. ‘Major System Error’ saws away with its thick bassline, Becca McIntyre’s frenzied squeak and triumphant horns tucked away. ‘Lost In Translation’ thrives with McIntyre’s vocal swagger, punchy drums and handclap-led chorus. While ‘Like A Battery’ is carried with a playful, glam rock stomp and duel vocals targeting those in power. Overall, their sound is more textured and musclier thanks to the production work of Gil Norton.

Marmozets are older and more confident in their abilities with McIntyre especially shining throughout. On ‘Insomnia’, she delivers her words in an innocent, almost childlike, manner with steady guitars serving as it drifts along lightly. Whereas on the snappy ‘Habits’, McIntyre carries the track with an uplifting, harmonious delivery. Although she has a strong presence, ‘Me & You’ shows there is a soft, vulnerable side to her.

For the most part, ‘KWYKN’ is fairly consistent yet later cuts ‘New Religion’ and ’Suffocate’ feel like filler. Nevertheless, they redeem themselves with ‘Run With The Rhythm’. A carefree finale that captures the youthful spirit that despite their growth, Marmozets are rooted too; pounding drums and towering vocals.

Although not as instantaneous as their debut, Marmozets defeat the “difficult second album” task with superb results.

4/5