Those of us who were around in 1997 (or the 90s in general) will likely remember a little song called “Sex and Candy” that hit the radio waves with a force. I’m sure my mom was none too happy that I used to turn the radio up every time the song came on since I was only in middle school at the time.
So when I got the chance to review the latest release from John Wozniak (vocals, guitar), Dylan Keefe (bass), and Shlomi Lavie (drums) – also known as Marcy Playground– I was more than excited after years of wondering what had happened to them. Not even an episode of “Where Are They Now?” would tell me.
Most people may not be aware that the band actually released two other albums (Shapeshifter in 1999 and MP3 in 2004) after their debut. And after 5 years of composition, their new release Leaving Wonderland…In a Fit of Rage makes that three.
At the immediate start of the album, with “Blackbird,” I could tell that this was definitely going to be a departure from what I knew from Marcy Playground. Songs like “Memphis,” “Devil Woman,” and “Irene” are almost pure country. Not Big ‘N Rich or Shania Twain country but Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, down-home, bluegrass, Southern country. It’s impossible not to hear the piercing echo of the banjo and the autoharp in the background. I could almost picture myself walking down a dusty road in the middle of rural Alabama as I was listening. It’s awesomely ironic coming from a band who came together not in the South, but in New York, and who lists Nirvana as one of their greatest influences.
Not all the songs on the album channel such an old-school country, though most songs do contain a folksy aspect of some kind. If you pick up this album expecting to here “Sex and Candy, Part II,” you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, this album is an innovative mixture of alternative rock, country, folk and even some pop. The edgy rock/alternative feel present on their past three albums is barely even discernable, present only in moderation in “I Burned the Bed” and somewhat in “Emperor” as well. “Star Baby” is positively positive; not a sinister note can be found in it anywhere. It will make you drive up PCH in a red convertible with the top down and the song blasting out of the stereo.
Marcy Playground has really broken the mold with this one, especially their own mold. Will they have another hit as big as “Sex and Candy?” Maybe not. But they’ve definitely pushed their own artistic and musical boundaries and dared to step into something completely new. Lead singer John Wozniak says this album is “by far, the best thing I’ve done. This is the most personal record I’ve ever made.” And for that, they deserve major recognition and self-pride; something no Billboard Top 40 can touch.
