CD Review

The name Todd Pasternack probably sounds somewhat familiar. As does the 90’s jam pioneer moniker, Ominous Seapods. Neither may be a household name synonymous with the jam genre, like some of their HORDE-era counterparts, but chances are you caught the band one time or another. Some might even argue the band was ten years ahead of their time. So thankfully, with some time behind him, Pasternack has confidently moved on – reinventing his music in the form of “Marlow.”

Like Reid Geneaur of fellow 90’s eastern rockers Strangefolk, in both voice and substance – Pasternack carries an honest, yet quiet strength in his voice that trembles with substance and sincerity. Offering lyrical depth without being misunderstood, Pasternack openly explores his life decisions and psyche in true open heart fashion: choosing music as a career, trusting change, questioning religion and finding true love.

Comforting the confused and giving reason to doubt, Pasternack explores his lyrics amidst twelve rock and roll compositions in The World Before It Ever Was, a new album that finds him accompanied by bassist/vocalist Angela Ford, guitarist/vocalist Lo Faber, drummer Ted Marotta and cellist Dave Eggar.

Fitting closer to the mold of indie rock than his jammy beginnings, the record exposes its radio rock accessibility with “Audiophile,” complete with biting guitar leads and an edgy chorus that trembles "love of another person's sound." The funky "Too Far” gallops in a country rock beat, before dipping into the short jazz/rock instrumental “Too Far (Part II). The latter, along with the instrumental “George and Janet’s Pool” scores the album some refreshing eclecticism while maintaining it’s continuity. Self-disclosure hints like “I live my life on credit cards and mom and dad/ and what I can take from rock and roll without selling my soul” give a straight-shooting backbone in the life affirming “Come Down," proving even more substance to the offering.

“La” and “This Time” play a little light on harmony and chorus, unequal to the sense of urgency in Paternack's voice, while “I Owe Nothing,” is a full, red-faced rocker. The diversity in the selections epitomizes The World Before It Ever Was experience – a mixed mix bag of songs that continually opens doors. With the Seapods now an endearing memory, and Pasternack’s sensibilities apparently still alive and well, it’s easy to hear Marlow as an important sound in the brave world of singer/songwriter rock and roll.

To hear Marlow online visit marlowmusic.