Marathon EP. Marathon

Trio Marathon from Amsterdam has come by on this blog since it's first single 'Age' A live show followed and now, finally, the band's debut EP has seen the light of day. Postpunk is the word. Marathon has taken a deep dive into the record collection of the member's parents, if not grandparents. The sound of bands that were popular in the early 80s has found its way to this EP in a successful, and entertaining way.

Of course, a list of contemporary colleagues can be mentioned. Tramhaus, Global Charming and several other bands from NL, while bands like Fontaines DC, Shame, etc., can be mentioned from the British Isles. The fact that I mention Marathon in one go with these bands is a compliment to the music on Marathon. It is deserved. The band has charged its music with the positive energy it needs and more than enough of it to excel.

Marathon consists of Lennart van Hulst, Kay Koopmans and Nina Lijzenga. The former two met in high school and formed their first band there. With Lijzinga on board Marathon got its final form. Together they worked on new songs in the summer of 2022 and recorded them in the fall. The result is six glorious songs on Marathon.

The EP opens with the first single 'Age'. Arguably it is the most postpunk song on the album. The least uncompromising of the lot. Where Tramhaus comes through the most. Perhaps because there already is a Tramhaus, the band traversed in another direction. At the same time 'Age' is so impressive. "The single explodes in fantastic ways, with loads of force and melodies combined, with thanks to the guitar overdubs", I wrote in September 2022 and can still totally relate to my observation. This is a band with a point to make and succeeded in a grand way.

The EP never is this urgent in a confrontational way again. The opening riff of 'Tired' is a great one, musically and melodically. It shows that with dedication and patience it is still possible to write a great riff in 2022, no matter how many came before you. Kay Koopmans certainly found one. And then listen what Lijzinga does on the bass. Her "answer" makes the song even better. Lennart van Hulst fills up everything behind them on a mighty drums. 'Tired' is also totally energised but far more melodic. It is a different kind of song and I am not able (yet?) to tell you what I like better, except that I think the two songs are such a great start to this EP.

'The Company' follows the path 'Tired' created. A little the edge comes in, as does the British Isles connection. Shame is close by here in the guitar work. With a song like this Marathon ought to be able to make every festival field around Europe explode. This is serious party rock and roll for the 21st century.

Like so many other post punk bands Marathon is able to make the uncomfortable mix with pleasure. Although less extreme than Tramhaus e.g., Marathon is not in it for the easy pleasing. A lot of people will not stick around to find the melody in the band's music. Those that do, will find it in abundance. The band wants to rock in an alternative way but knows that a song also needs melodies. Something most bands tended to forget in the early 80s or perhaps, I often could not and still cannot find it in their songs. Not on Marathon. Melody is all over the place.

The band presents a near perfect mix of early 1980s postpunk and its circa 2020 equivalent. The skies are not coming down today although we hear about what can come down on a daily basis from Ukraine, it seems very far away right here. That is the difference with the uncompromising doom and gloom of 1980. There's enough to enjoy today and that does come through in the music on Marathon. Just listen to the glorious ending of the EP 'How Does It Feel'. Another huge potential festival hit in my ears. Marathon is a band to watch.

Wout de Natris