Marian Hill is a pop/R&B duo from Pennsylvania. To say they are a pop/R&B duo is almost an understatement since they do other genres of music very, very well. They got their name from two characters from the musical “The Music Man” (which I played Charlie Cowell in high school). Not that it makes a difference but it’s a fun fact.
Anyway, the blend of various types of music is sort of hit or miss with this group. The first song I heard was “Down” and was instantly intrigued. Not to say that the majority of their music is bad but it definitely didn’t capture my interest the way “Down” did.
The singing reminds me of a cross of Regina Spektor and Peggy Lee. She is soft spoken and emotional like Regina Spektor but also confident and powerful like Peggy Lee. They do some jazz songs that incorporate the electronic feel of synth pop or alternative R&B. They can also throw out some great blues inspired tracks that remind us that they are more than just a one trick pony. “Down” is definitely their biggest song and one of my favorites. They only have a couple albums out right now so there’s no telling where they are gunna go from here.
I will definitely be keeping my eye on these guys, eager to see what they will release next.
Notable Tracks:
Down, Wild, I Want You
Asinine Radio 