Marah

Marah is an American Rock band that was formed by Dave Bielanko (singer-songwriter/guitarist) in 1993. His brother, Serge Bielanko (lead guitarist/singer) joined in 1995 and the pair has been the core members of the group ever since, with a rotating cast of other musicians. The band is known for their Classic Rock style, intense live performances and for having some musical influences unusual for younger acts, including Bruce Springsteen, Phil Spector, Steve Earle and The O'Jays.

Marah's earliest material was lumped into the alt. country genre, though it incorporated the soulful rock influence of The Replacements and Bruce Springsteen. The band's second album, 2000's Kids in Philly gained a dedicated cult audience, thanks to its catchy songs and energetic blend of traditional rock with folk and punk overtones. Although it was acclaimed by many critics, some called the album derivative of Springsteen's early work. The band's follow-up album, Sail Away with the Friday Night Gods departed from the influence of Springsteen, but was derided by many Marah fans as too commercial, drawing on Oasis and David Bowie. The band's subsequent work has returned to a style more in line with its original sound.