Marmalade Band – Profile Review
Date: September 2025
Genre: Cover Band, Party, Corporate Entertainment, Weddings & Themed Events
Reviewer: Jasmine
Marmalade Band Review
From the moment the Marmalade Band strikes the first chord, the promise is clear: this is a band built to keep a crowd on their feet. This Melbourne-based cover band is more than competent—they bring a fusion of energy, wide stylistic range, and showmanship that makes them a go-to for weddings, corporate functions, private parties, and themed events. With well over a decade and a half in the business, they show maturity in their execution without losing the fun and spontaneity that a party band must harness.
Marmalade’s repertoire is enormous—and that’s one of their greatest strengths. They cover “NOW” hits, classics from recent decades, retro favourites, jazz, reggae, and themed music. Whether you want Top 40 dance pop, 80s sing-alongs, 50s swing, or even That Classic Motown groove, Marmalade has got it in their setlist. What’s more, they’re flexible in format: in some gigs, they perform as a compact duo or trio; in others, they swell into a larger ensemble, with brass or horn sections, guest vocalists, or extra musicians to fill out a big stage or a grand room.
One of the hallmarks of Marmalade is how they read the room. You sense they come with more than just a set list—they arrive with awareness. At a wedding, the energy needs to flow: early easy listening or dance classics to warm up, then higher-tempo pop and party hits once the floor opens. At corporate events, they can pace more thoughtfully, including themed moments or stylistic interludes to suit the company’s brand or guest expectation. Their ability to shift tone as required, to respond to guests’ mood, and to weave in meaningful moments (like first dances, special announcements, or requests) gives them a polish that feels professional yet personal.
Vocals and musicianship stand out. The band leader, Kevin Jones, is lively behind the mic and guitar; there are strong lead singers and backing vocals who know how to harmonise and create texture. Instrumental sections—be they rhythm, horns, keyboards or guitars—are tight. The sound production is solid. They don’t just play through tracks; they breathe life into them.
Visually too, the Marmalade Band brings style. Their stage presence is professional: they look the part, move with confidence, present themselves in good lighting and with good stagecraft. This matters because for many clients, a band isn’t just about sound—it’s an experience. Guests notice when performers engage, walk among them, call for sing-alongs, or invite crowd participation. These are small things that Marmalade handles well.
That said, a few considerations are worth bearing in mind. Because their repertoire is so broad, in some themed or very niche events there may be songs outside their regular library; requests often are possible, but might require advance notice. Also, large ensemble versions of the band come at greater logistical cost—stage space, sound, lighting, and budget grow quickly as the lineup expands. But these aren’t drawbacks so much as trade-offs that anyone engaging a top cover band should expect.
Overall, the Marmalade Band delivers on what they promise—and more. They are reliable, versatile, engaging, and their performance quality is high. For anyone planning an event where music must both entertain and elevate, this band is a strong choice. They’ll bring both memories and momentum.
Act Highlights
- Vast, multi-decade repertoire: from recent chart hits to jazz, reggae, retro classics.
- Flexible ensemble sizes: duo/trio for intimate settings, full band with extras for big events.
- Strong vocals & harmonies, tight instrumentation, dynamic energy.
- Skilled at reading venues and audiences; pacing sets to event type.
- Experience across weddings, corporate gigs, themed parties, and large-scale events.
Suitable for these events: Weddings, Corporate Functions, Themed Parties, Private Celebrations, Festivals, Big Band Nights, Gala Dinners
Audience Type: Ideal for diverse crowds, intergenerational audiences, guests who love dancing, music lovers who dislike dull nights, and planners wanting both quality and fun.
