In on It begins with Good Kiss (From A Bad Girl), a track that touches upon a wide array of styles and genre. In the course of the first minute, hints of Bauhaus, Tom Waits, and even Soft Cell can be heard. Marc James is able to make this track germane to current listeners due to intelligent instrumentation and an always-catchy arrangement. Out of Touch keeps fans listening, with a funk meets disco groove that is laced through the cut. The momentum achieved during these introductory tracks allows the middle of In On It to shine; Underground’s back and forth vocals will remind listeners of Thin White Duke-era Bowie, with a glittering backdrop of synth and bass keep listeners focused on in.
Something For Someone starts off the second half of In On it; the track immediately kicks things back into high gear. This is not only done with the backing band; there is an urgency to James’ vocals that propels this effort to its bombastic ending at the three-minute mark. This track is bundled nicely with Get Lost; there is a dark emotionality that will haunt listeners long after the track (and even the disc) ends.
Make it a point to check out the Marc James band whenever they play at a venue around you (a tour is rumored for 2013); I have a feeling that their live allure even outstrips what has been presented on In On It. Give Me Your Hands is the final track on the album, and it strips things away to a more natural sheen. The narrative quality of this track makes for an impressive conclusion. There is a constancy to the album’s 14 tracks that simply cannot be overstated; this album hits on all cylinders.
Top Tracks: Good Kiss (From A Bad Girl), (It Gives Me) Satisfaction
Rating: 8.5/10
Marc James and Atra Records Present In On It (CD) / 2012 Self / 14 Tracks / http://www.marcjamesband.com
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
Contact: editor@neufutur.com