Swirling 90’s grudge and Indie folk, Mars FM has released their psychedelic debut album, The Sky Knelt to the Sea,” available everywhere now. The album is heavily inspired by nature. The band was not afraid to daydream and explore so they could capture both the light and dark side of nature.
The opening track, “Beneath The Blue,” has an edgy well and the doubled vocals give it a unique sound. They sing about being pulled beneath the shadows and disconnecting from their mind. “Beneath The Blue” captures the feeling of going underwater with a big rock sound. A similar feeling to this song would be like “Skinny dipping” by Stand Atlantic. The second track is “Sedimentary” and the immediate contrast shows the indie folk that the band is inspired by. The harmonies are sweet and soft. Throughout these tracks the band talks about their fears of the shadows and desire to reconnect with nature.
“Staring At The Moon” continues to lean more on that folk sound with a little bit more of a western feel. It is also the first track on the album to have a male lead on it. The switch up of lead vocals is fun because it gives each singer a chance to shine on a song. It is a very sweet love song that is simple and cute. “Do you think about me to? / When it’s just me and just you? / Is the moon our connection through? / or is it me, staring at the moon?” is a thoughtful chorus that Romanizes that almost cliché moonlight but gives it a new twist.
The final track, “Lammy,” is much more grunge and immediately has moody electric guitars and male vocals. The electric guitars roar through the song and only intensify as it builds. The band sings about how Lammy has disappeared, and they are desperately hoping she returns. They include a snippet of singing in French as well.
Overall, Mars FM has a modern yet classic sound. When they lean into that folk inspiration, they come away with rich harmony and richer lyrics. Combining this folk feel with their grunge influences only allows the album to be more clearly all their own. The production on each song highlights another strength that the group has and it is certain they know exactly what they are trying to say. It was a journey using nature as guide that every listener can be familiar with.
So be sure to go stream “The Sky Knelt to the Sea,” and keep watching for more releases by Mars FM!
Written by Katie Power
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