Manchester taxis do my head in. Not only were there chocolate stains on my seat but also it took so long to get into the city centre that I missed the first two songs of Marlin’s set. The opener, Calling Out Your Name is my personal favorite of the moment.

Anyway moan over lets turn our attention to Marlin. They played to a modest crowd, down stairs at Dry Bar. This was hardly surprising as it was Tuesday after the Bank Holiday weekend. No matter though, the band worked through their set with enthusiasm.

They showcased the guitar edged side to their music and it worked well in the room. The songs had a hard, edgy quality to them but the rhythm section of bass and drums gave each song a real up-tempo feel. Marlin are without a doubt a party band, no airs and graces, just raw and gritty riffs with catchy hooks that stay in your head and a great vocal sound to round it off. Callum, the lead singer, and James on backing vocals harmonize perfectly to give each song real feeling.

Get Into You is a stand out track live which was only bettered by the dark and driving Thorn in my Throat. The gig ended all too soon with Life So Sweet, a crescendo of guitars and percussion that ended their set in blistering style.

I doubt you will get to see Marlin in such an intimate venue much longer. They are going to get big very quickly. Having seen them now for the first time, there is no doubt that this band have got what it takes to succeed. I recommend you see them as soon as you can.

Marlin are playing the Cuba Café in Manchester on 15th April. (Full review to follow)

It’s a small venue so get there and watch a band take off. Marlin - don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Words by Spencer Jacobs

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