Matt Gibbs (Vocals, Keys, Lyrics), and Ryan Paul-Henry Sainsbury (Guitar, Bass, Drums), make up the duo that is MARS. The two have released a few tracks entitled, “Call For The Knights”, “Time Gone Past” and “Stand Alone”, which obviously form part of some upcoming collective project which is still under wraps. MARS has also completed a supporting video for the song, “Call For The Knights”.
MARS is an up-and-coming alternative indie-rock band from Brighton, UK, who bases their music on genres such as blues, psychedelic, rock and alternative. In a nutshell, MARS deliver cranked-up psychedelic guitar rock; melodic sky fireworks and beautifully melancholy rock n’ roll drug music for trippy headphone explosions!
These are the kinds of songs that sound immediately familiar, friendly and comfortable for those who have been listening to music for a very long time. While the new kids on the block will no doubt compare them in some way to Tame Impala or the Flaming Lips. Crispian Mills and Kula-Shaker also had some varying themes on the subject, which were interesting. But from what I can gather from the tracks I listened to, MARS are a little more melancholic and a little heavier, due to Gibbs’ atmospherically deep and somber vocal deliveries and Sainsbury’s crunchy and jangling guitar interludes.
Leave it to the Brits, I say. I can remember hearing these kinds of sounds as a kid. This stuff was cool back then and is just as cool now. Though MARS are a relatively new Brit rock band, they have it! Great vocals, great songs and that 60’s, psych guitar flare, which is so sadly missing from today’s music.
In fact the sound is a total anachronism compared to today’s music. Their music is savvy, melodic, trippy and ethereal. MARS has truly embraced the 60s psychedelic vibe without sounding forced or like they are trying to imitate a specific band. This is their sound, because it’s mixed with the modern rock idiom, and they do it extremely well on both “Call For The Knights”, “Time Gone Past”.
With the benefit of hindsight there’s a sharp focus on the songwriting and sounds employed, showing adept sensibilities by the lads. For what I think they set out to do, these songs succeed on just about every level. There’s no point telling you which ones are great, just get the music, get high and groove!
OFFICIAL LINKS: WEBSITE – SOUNDCLOUD – YOUTUBE – FACEBOOK
