The Mars Patrol Album Review
Turn it Around EP - 08/19/05
Review By: Mike O'Cull
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Hailing from Scotland and aiming to take their music as far as their outer-space name implies, The Mars Patrol is an edgy and evocative acoustic duo that proves how much can still be done in a two-piece format if the songs and players are strong enough. Guitarist/songwriter Ross Nelson and vocalist Davina Divine create an attention-getting sound comprised of driving rhythms, great lyrics and hooks, and good old- fashioned musical intercourse. Their sound draws comparisons to The Corrs and the acoustic side of Fleetwood Mac and encompasses folk, rock, and pop at one time or another.
The EP is recorded as they are, with no rhythm section supporting the grooves of the songs. Thankfully, Nelson is an able-bodied guitarist and creates the pockets that drive the songs out of thin air and his right hand. Davina Divine is the operator of a strong and clear voice capable of giving life to every emotion contained in these songs. Some of TMP’s best communal moments happen in "Spokes Of Reality", the EP’s opening cut, and "Breathe". The Mars Patrol is currently on tour in the USA for the first time (including a recent string of dates in Chicago) and that will hopefully spread their music around a bit, which would be a good thing.
The Mars Patrol Biography
THE MARS PATROL is a female fronted pop/rock band, originally from Edinburgh, Scotland. Now based in London, England, you may have seen them recently sharing the stage alongside such artists as KT Tunstall, Kula Shaker, The Feeling, Rooster, Hanson, Orson, The Rifles & Finley Quaye. Already renowned for their extreme passion and energy in both their music and live shows, no wonder Ocean View Press in Boston commented:
”you'd think you were watching them in front of 35,000 fans at Madison Square Garden”
The overriding themes in their music - positivity, solace, understanding - sees the band make light of the darkest situations: a trait often overlooked in today’s increasingly cynical, me-first society. And such is their quality, immediacy and warmth. Davina Divine says, “our music is designed to inspire, help you escape and confront your fears.” Davina, who writes the majority of the band’s lyrics, has been recognised for a voice that touches the head as well as the heart.
The Mars Patrol recently did their first US tour on the East Coast which was hugely succesful, including shows in New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston & New York City. A busy gigging schedule, partnered with a massively strong internet presence has contributed to the rise and rise of The Mars Patrol. The band now has a worldwide following, including fansites almost everywhere, including the UK, Japan, Europe, America, Canada, Australia and China, and this following is set to grow due to the recent release of the awesome EP, “MAKING MEMORIES” (released on the band's own signature label, Ravista Records). The CD has already received glowing reviews from around the World...
”some of the best Power-Pop tunes that Britain has ever heard” 10/10 STREET VOICE UK
In the words of Scotland's most read daily newspaper, the Daily Record: "catch them now before they hit stadiums".
The Mars Patrol Official Site | The Mars Patrol Myspace | The Mars Patrol Facebook