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Margate: On the Other Side
Margate On the Other Side new music review

Margate: On the Other Side

Alt/Punk/Pop Rock
Rating: 4.0/5.0

Based in Southern California, three-piece rock band Margate has been garnering some regional attention and a strong fan base with their infectious brand of modern rock. On the Other Side is their second full-length release since forming in 2003, and it's an entertaining representation of their muscular musicianship and songwriting skills.

Drawing from modern influences such as Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, and Weezer, Margate combines the bravado of punk with melodic pop rock sensibility for clever results. With only three members, the accurate and energetic musicianship creates ocean of sound within each song. Better, Margate is not adverse to crafting songs beyond simple chords and clever hooks. Songs like In My Life, Time & Time Again, and Circles show arrangements with well-developed and intriguing twists from the diverse use of vocal harmonies and time signature. In other words, Margate is a step above much of the current alternative rock fair posing as novel.

In addition to these fine attributes, Margate displays both maturity and wit in their songcraft. The tongue is placed firmly in cheek on the clever and fun songs Believe in Steve and My Dog Duke. Unchecked Aggression finds Margate more serious when considering gun violence. Between the impressive song composition and deft musicianship, Margate's On the Other Side delivers sophisticated modern alt rock that trumps most of their peers.

In Short

Between the impressive song composition and deft musicianship, Margate's On the Other Side delivers sophisticated modern alt rock that trumps most of their peers.

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