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Reviews

Dom Mariani — Apple of Life
(Alive Natural Sound 0239, 2025, LP)

by Jon Davis, Published 2025-11-05

Apple of Life Cover art

When he steps away from the hard-hitting boogie rock of Datura4, guitarist Dom Mariani shows other sides of his musical taste. There was surf rock on Hi Seas, and on Apple of Life it’s power pop. If you love catchy melodies backed by rocking rhythms, this album is a no-brainer. Right out of the gate, he hits us with “Breakaway,” a tuneful concoction complete with tubular bell accents, hyperactive drumming, and even some perfectly placed castanets. Barring the clarity of the recording, it could be a lost gem from 1968, crossing wall-of-sound production with real rock energy. The title track brings in a touch of 80s style, along the lines of The Replacements (their less raggedy side) or The Romantics. Another winner. Later we get “Where Do Lovers Go,” which adds pedal steel for a hint (OK, more than a hint) of country rock that also appears on a few other tracks. Throughout Apple of Life, the emphasis is on the songwriting rather than the guitar playing. All of the guitar work is stellar, though not flashy — there are soaring harmonized melodies and superb rhythm parts, but no showoffish solos. At various times, other references would be The Cars, Big Star, Badfinger, Nick Lowe, and Marshall Crenshaw. Dom Mariani has crafted a real gem in Apple of Life, and it needs to be heard.

Filed under: New releases, 2025 releases

Related artist(s): Dom Mariani

 

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