Album Review: When I Wake Up

There’s a gleaming warmth from local Kiwi band Marmalade Skies and their debut Album When I Wake Up. Set to be released on February 2, 2024, right in the middle of summer, the band will head for a tour around the North Island. Marmalade Skies guitar licks that are surfy, and groovy with a slight angst. Marmalade Skies have been growing since 2019 in the urban city of Tauranga and in 2021 they released their first EP Nautical Nectar. Those to be held accountable as Band Members are Ethan (vocals, guitar) Robbo (bass, vocals) Calum (guitar) and Jake (drums). It’s from the likes of Lime Cordiale, Boy Pablo, and Backseat Lovers are their core inspirations, and from the comfort of their drummer’s garage, these young Kiwis transcend Indie rock in their own stunning way. “When it comes to their sonic, the band kill it on all levels.” – Happy Mag

We are introduced to the song Rhyme or Reason first and I imagine this song like it’s the pattern of the sun when it hits all the colours in a garden of flowers. They generated a beat with their guitars that added warmth to their significant benefit throughout the Album.

In the song This Way the tune has an underground grungy yet beach-tanned demeanour to it. With the lyrics, there was coverage that was valuable for the band’s genre, but also had the opportunity to extend their lyrical style. The main chorus can be characterised with significant strength in guitar work as familiar with the rest of the songs on the Album. Guitar rhythms are the scaffolding to a good rock song and the marmalade boys know how to build their songs with high stakes without sounding constrained.

Furthermore, we have the power ballad Blame. A regretful narrative that bounces off the funk base provided by the keyboard. The main lyrics which conjure a light-hearted melancholy emotion “Yeah I’m blaming everything on you because It makes me feel good about myself” reflect optimism which is what the beat sounds like. The final section of the song provides a unique incorporation of the gentle airy sound of what seems to be waves.

Moonlight was probably my favourite song. I simply loved the chorus of “You can’t run from the moonlight” which echoes each word “Moonlight” is a creative tool to feel the mood of the song. It’s a good moody song and shows the band’s scope of having variations of songs.

Their song Tears jumps into a sorrowful sound in a funky way by using a guitar beat. They show a clear ability to uphold the base of the funky beat. Similar to their song This Way, the lyrics are apparent and have a reflective pattern to them which is familiar. It shows they can mirror a good pop song’s lyrical style.

What I gathered from the band Marmalade Skies and their latest Album When I Wake Up is the ability to reflect and paint emotion within their music, specifically with their sound. They are a young group from New Zealand who incorporated a local rhythm which is something to be proud of and should be shared. A recognisable prospect from hard work being put into a debut album. I imagine watching them live would be just as enthralling and there is the opportunity to do so. Tickets to their North Island tour can be purchased at undertheradar.co.nz.