With old-soul profundity and rootsy rock ‘n’ roll heart, Marah is a Listen, Dammit, favorite — and there’s a new album on the way.

The Brooklyn-by-way-of-Philly band endured a period of turbulence immediately upon the release of 2008’s “Angels of Destruction,” the group’s most recent record. Three members left after clashing with leader Dave Bielenko over the involvement of keyboard player/singer Christine Smith, who was then a recent addition to the band.

Marah eventually re-grouped with a new rhythm section and toured. Now the band is ready with “Life is a Problem,” due sometime this year. Sessions for the album yielded extra material, which Bielenko has been letting slip out: he made “Put ‘em in the Graveyard” available last fall and, last month, posted another another new song, “Waiting for a Devil,” which can be yours here in exchange for your e-mail address and ZIP code.

With its old-school spiritual bent, simple acoustic arrangement and heart-stopping vocal harmonies, it’s worth the trade.

March 2, 2010 at 8:00 am | Share |