ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2017, Volume 40 | Page 91

I decided to embark upon a journey across the dark side of the veil. Slipping into the vastness, I put on my trusty
headphones and listened intently. My senses were rattled, yet soothed as the sounds of Marquis of Vaudeville
began to dance into my soul.
Marquis of Vaudeville (4 piece, Dallas, TX) is one part carnival, one part glam with a splash of Ziggy Stardust.
Altogether, this equals one great rock-n- roll shot that everyone can enjoy.
The first galactic waves of sound that I listened to was a track called “The Dreaming.” The perfect mix of flowing
vocals and strong lyrics allowed me to slip into two different dimensions. I traveled through time and space
while quickly realizing that this band is freaking great.
Marquis of Vaudeville is: Toby Lawhorn, Bryan Geddie, Geneva Arena and Noah Falls. Not only have they been
featured on such fantastic rock stations such as 97.1 The Eagle (Dallas), 102.1 The Edge (Dallas) and 94.5 The
Buzz (Houston), but also, they have licensed music for the popular syndicated television series “Charmed” and
“Dexter”. After listening to their music, I know that both shows seem like the perfect match. I can only wonder
why the blockbuster vampire series “True Blood” never featured Marquis of Vaudeville. Anyway, I digress. These
Dallas alternative rock souls have also performed with the likes of Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse and The
Offspring. So, yeah, these folks are legit.
Next I decided to leap back into the vortex and spiral back to 2012. During this time, Marquis of Vaudeville
released their debut album “The Great Promenade of Fools and Ghosts.” Rather quickly, I realized I was in for a
wild ride. Their unique blend of vaudeville and rock filled my senses and allowed me to drift into timeless space.
This wonderful, magical, musical experience provided me the ability to appreciate this band’s roots. I was
reminded of a far-off time when I first listened to Queen’s “A Night at the Opera” so many decades ago.
After thoroughly enjoying the studio sounds, I wondered what magic the actual stage would bring forth. Hence,
it was time for me to check out some performance video. Their live Dallas performance of “Utopian Playland”
provided the perfect example. This fun video gave me a glimpse into what would surely be a memorable
experience. I suspect many of their fans are just as colorful as the characters they surround themselves with
while on stage. As you know atmosphere is everything; well, along with tight sound. In any case, I have surely
decided that when given the opportunity during my many travels, I will catch a Marquis of Vaudeville show and
I strongly suggest that you do so as well.
In learning more about this whimsical ReverbNation artist, I read their own bio and came across this perfect
quote; Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls applauds the band with, "Ziggy meets Marc Bolan outside Max's
Kansas City. Makes me want to break out some sequined leggings and spit on the sidewalk. Space-age modern-
age glam nostalgia." I laughed in strong agreement with Amanda. She nailed it.
In my line of work, I listen and see a lot of new artists. Realistically, only a few can grab my attention and interest
me as much as Marquis of Vaudeville. The number one thing to me first and foremost of any band that I come
across, is the quality of the music itself. Then, I look for intangibles…such as appearance, stage presence and
professionalism. Once I find those qualities acceptable, I dig even deeper -- looking at the depth and overall feel
that is emitted by the artist. I truly find that Marquis of Vaudeville blows the roof off all my expectations. I
anxiously await their new album “The Tragic Valentine,” which is due out fittingly this coming Halloween 2017.
The whole thought of getting to listen to their new material leaves me giddy, awed, amazed, light, dark, tragic
and fearful, yet very, very playful. Excuse me while I hop back on the carousel and spin off into the vast carnival
in the sky.