MARAH "Kids in Philly"

     The best word I can think to describe this band's sound is "gritty."  Their raucous debut, "Let's Cut the Crap and Hook Up Later on Tonight," sounded so damn FUN that you had to wonder how they ever got it on tape.  Well, on their follow-up, while the fun remains, these kids from Philly have found a way to expand their repertoire, tighten their sound, and perhaps even improve what was already stellar song-writing. 
     Opening with the lively slice of city heartbreak, "Faraway You," the disc hardly lets up, shifting oftimes to low gear but never idling.  In a perfect world, "Round Eye Blues" would be a hit, with its Motown references, incisive lyrics, and memorable melody.  "Point Breeze" recalls early Springsteen, while "Barstool Boys" is a Faces ripoff (nothing wrong with that!). 
     As the disc progresses, a story begins to emerge ... a story of Philly; and not since Springsteen has a band so deftly captured the sights and sounds of its hometown.  This disc will inspire most.