Marene – Nevermine EP Review – devographic

Review By Darren McIntyre

Marene are a flash / glam 5 – piece outfit from South Africa who burst onto the scene in 2018 with their mesmerising singles Thrills In The Night & Time Machine. The band continued to carve out their signature sound gaining exposure on TV’s Expresso show and with headline slots on festivals such as WinterFest & RamFest, the band continued to release music to wet our appetites and they dropped Thrills In The Night, Something’s Out There single & EP IN 2020. After Life EP and Night Sky single in 2021, Partners In Crime, Prisoner Of Love & Black Magic Girl singles in 2023. The band returned earlier in 2025 with single Finchie and now they drop their killer new EP Nevermine which I will be reviewing for you today.

Finchie – Mellow, soulful vocals lean in before we get a shredding riffed guitar intro that just sets the scene as the band come at us with this harmonious number that is full of melodies that just let the track breathe. The rhythm section opens up and gives us a solid snare drum groove that controls the direction of this crunching number as the soothing piano tones wrap themselves around this fist pumping groover, the musicality is just building as the band comes together and really wets our appetites for what is unfolding from the opening track which is just awesome. The dark, brooding bassline is dropping, dark, delicious tones that let us know that this EP is gonna get them where they need to be for sure, the tone and direction are just elevating the whole arrangement as we just feel the vocals transport us to somewhere new as we get to grips with this killer outfit.

Boys(Summertime Love)(Sabrina Cover) – A crunching guitar riff is oozing from the start as we get the sweet, melodic vocals coming at us with this clever cover that has a rock n roll twist. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s punchy beats and deep grooves that flow through the track, the funky, fast paced groove is a real upbeat touch as they put their twist on this classic cover. The cool, fresh take combines synth notes along with a slick, clean guitar riff that is all wrapped in a funky, deep bassline that just gives this track that something extra, the track is fresh, fast and just lets the band express themselves as they experiment with this classy tune that has us tapping our feet and feeling the fresh, funky beat.

Reptile(The Church Cover) – Cymbal snaps open the track a sa cool guitar lick wanders freely through the intro as smouldering, mellow vocals lean ind get the rocking groover off the ground. The synth notes are working their way through the arrangement as the cool riffs wrap themselves around the composition and let us feel the energy oozing from every band member, the bassline is hitting us with cool, deep funk notes that just let the track breathe as the tempo changes pace several times through the piece which really makes the track interesting. The killer guitar licks are weaving their way way through the track and welcome the rhythm section to add weight to this toe tapping track that has soothing, dark lyrics that just allow the whole piece to express itself as the band really go through the gears with this past paced, punchy rock n roll track that just catches our attention as the band picks up the groove and rolls with it.

Something’s Out There – The intro comes at us with a haunting tone as the slick, crunching guitar riffs let the track erupt with sheer vengeance as the punchy rhythm section brings a cool bass kick that lets the snare drum punches kick in the doors and let the tone come to life. The fast, fresh vocals are just elevating the track to another level as we feel the synth tones ripple throughout the whole arrangement as it builds and comes at us with all it has for sure, the dark, meaty bassline is hitting us with a real raunchy groove that just gives the track attitude, swagger and depth to really make us take notice of this exciting 5 piece outfit who have been bringing us slick, well crafted music but I thing that this EP is something special. The whole track is just brimming with fresh, cool lyrics that are backed with a stellar musical touch that is just gathering pace with every track they produce.

Bad Intentions – A slick, deep guitar riff opens the track as the rhythm section leans in and comes at us with a full on deep beat that lets the track tell it’s own story as the cymbal snaps bring the track to life. The mellow vocals are weaving their way through the track as the foot stomping, punchy groove grabs a hold of us as the tempo builds and really lets the track sing, the slick twin guitar riffs are really giving the track a meaty feel as the band finishes off the EP with a real killer track that just packs a punch. The bassline is coming at us with a real hungry tone that is just letting the song weave through the mid section with ease as the band let the groove build and build, the whole composition brings a freshness that gives off a crunching riff that is backed up by a group of musicians who are carving out a reputation as someone to watch in the future.

Marene  –

              Tyler Duggan  –  Vocals / Rhythm Guitar

              Arian Helm  –  Lead Guitar

              Ozzey Padayachee  –  Bass / BV

              Maroney Todkill  –  Synth / BV

              Skye Nagel  –  Drums

Track Listing  –

                       Finchie

                       Boys(Summertime Love)(Sabrina Cover)

                       Reptile(The Church Cover)

                       Something’s Out There

                       Bad Intentions