Black Marmot

The first chords of “Indifference,” the first track of Black Marmot’s full-length album “Run Home,” can be deceiving.
What at first seems like an upbeat folk tune driven by clean guitars and Linde Clark’s upbeat vocals, soon becomes much more as the noodly sounds of effect-laden leads, energetic backing vocals and energetic rock drums join the mix. The end result is a pleasantly eclectic kind of rock/folk fusion.
Tunes like “Blue Mountain,” a folkish fight song of sorts, reinforce that theme. But then rock comes right back into the mix. In the next track, “Spy on the Wing,” electric guitarist Tim Parker’s solo cuts into the song with a whole different kind of energy. Parker’s leads lace the CD with a classic-rock vibe, as in “A Few Degress,” where an impressive and extended solo carries hints of ‘70s rock. Favorable comparisons can often be made between Marmot’s sound and that of such folk-influenced period greats as Jefferson Airplane and Fleetwood Mac.
The other instrumentation is strong as well. Besides her distinctive vocals, Clark also contributes acoustic guitar chops that shine especially in the album’s folkier tunes like “The Tide,” in which the band’s rock elements add a spacey overtone in keeping with the classic rock influence.
Mike Zartarian, who along with Parker contributes backing vocals, keeps things driven with his bass lines, while the tight beats supplied by Ryan Callahan give tracks a polished yet vibrant quality.
Production-wise, the album is clean-cut, though at times one wishes a particular vocal line or guitar tone could have punched through the mix a bit more.
Marmot’s sound is rife with surprises. Some of the album’s later tracks, including “Red Sky Morning,” exhibit an easy-going ‘90s alt-rock flair, bringing yet another idea into the mix. Yet, even with so many separate elements, the songs never seem crowded or forced. It’s a good dynamic.
The album’s strongest tracks merge all of these talents and styles to great effect. “End of Days” ups the energy with a fast-paced style melding the sensibilities of folk with the attitude of rock ‘n’ roll. The especially strong vocal style brings the track alive, as do its fluid transitions and ability to keep things moving.
The instrumental “Prairie Song” leads seamlessly into the final track, “Hurricanes,” a forlorn ode that works well as the album’s capstone.
Black Marmot, which happens to include three Northeastern graduates, shows a mature songwriting style. It not only makes for a great collection of enjoyable tunes, but also a dialog between the many styles they work well in. Join the conversation March 6, when the band plays a CD release show for “Run Home” at TT the Bear’s Place, 10 Brookline St., Cambridge. - The Huntington News