Sometimes I find hard rock to be a one note thematic genre of sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Then comes Marble Ghosts of Canada who fully restores my faith that male dominant bands are more than the aforementioned vices.
On their powerful and dynamic self titled EP, that is a wonderful blend of hard rock and metal, the foursome of Paul R. Champagne (bass), Adam Hansen (guitar, backing vocals), Dylan Gunnell (vocals), and Jérôme Renaud (drums) not only look at the past heroes, “False Heroes,” but also the present date hatred towards LGBTQIA+ communities and women’s rights in “Old School.”
Marble Ghosts, the EP, opens with “Old School” and it’s a pointed and unapologetic look at those who are trying their damndest to ruin the lives of many.
The band says this of the song,
“With the words, ‘God is love and God is hate,’ ‘Old School’ speaks to the way that fundamentalists twist and pervert teachings to fill an agenda of hate. This song is the fuck you to them. Fuck any god whose believers can’t accept love in different shapes and forms and who believe they can tell a person what they can do with their body.”
“Lie to Me” delves into themes of betrayal with bass-driven intensity reminiscent of Tool and Three Days Grace, while “Alone” explores the complexities of fear and the power of the mind to both frighten us and save us.
Shining a light on outdated institutions, “False Heroes” blends grunge-inspired vocals with thunderous basslines and soaring riffs, reminiscent of 90s grunge sound.
Marble Ghosts deliver a visceral finale with “End of the World.” Reflecting a generation’s disillusionment with the idea of meaningful change and the realisation that their actions may have little impact, the song captures the band’s uncompromising attitude with distinct vocals and a cacophony of heavy and glorious sound.
Marble Ghosts, the band and EP, defies hard rock stereotypes and delivers music that reminds us that it’s not all sex drugs and rock-n-roll, but sometimes it’s get up, stand up, rise up, and make the difference you seek.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: all 5 songs
