Mars Hollow's self-titled debut album was released to much acclaim earlier on in the year and the band have spent the summer wowing audiences in the US and The Mexicali Prog concert in August.
Track 1 "Wait For Me", has an immediate, stark introduction which hits all the right buttons from the very first note. Syncopated timing sequences, lots of stops and rhythm changes, great musicianship and loads of Mellotron. Very classy and very classic! The vocal section comes in and it kind of makes you think, how can you turn this piece of music into a song? Rest assured they do a fantastic job, the vocals and music compliment each other perfectly. This ability to mix vocals and music is prevalent throughout the entire album and is definitely one of the band’s strengths.
Track 2 "Midnight" has a much more catchy vocal line right from the start. Great bass playing and drumming really embellish the song and again classic sounds abound with a fantastic Robin Lumley-esque keyboard solo at the end.
Track 3 "Eurika" starts with a church organ solo introduction into a fantastic piano/band instrumental. Again the vocals then come in effortlessly and compliment the music superbly. It's so easy (and we've all moaned about it) to get the vocal/ instrumental balance wrong. This band nails it every time; the right songs, riffs and sounds.
Track 4 "If I Were You" is an anthemic song with a hint of mystery to it and a terrific bass solo.
Track 5 "In Your Hands" we get another wonderfully crafted instrumental introduction, and again strong vocals compliment the musical skills on show. Possibly the cleverest song so far.
Track 6 "Wild Animal" should be the band's single. Strong keyboard and later guitar solo sections display the respective musician's skills to the full. Good song as well.
Track 7 "Dawn of Creation" has an atmospheric start that screams epic at you. And yes, this final track delivers the perfect ending to an absolutely superb album. |
With their debut album Mars Hollow have defined the term "Classic Progressive Rock for a New Millennium". They have managed brilliantly to draw from elements of the past and blend them into their own, and highly original ideas. Superb musicianship, the right sounds and fantastic, creative song writing skills, leave you wanting more. The best album of its kind I've personally listened to for at least two years.
-Mark Elliot, USA Progressive Music
I've finally been able to put my finger on it. Mars Hollow is writing progressive rock film scores. They have the address of your mind's eye.
As I was listening to their self-titled debut album, I had an altogether unexpected experience; I wondered how it was that this album was affecting me in such a sensual way, drawing from me emotions not accessed of late and certainly not normally found consistently in the progressive rock music of the day wherein, for the most part, the song craft is appreciated and debated on intellectual terms and the musicianship is rated and ranked as one would, at best, the technical proficiency of an engineer or at worse a skilled laborer.
I was transported as I had been when I first listened to the English set pieces of Jethro Tull, laying back on starry nights in back fields not caring at all that the battery life was dragging out the experience as the cassette tape crawled through the "boom box", or the mystical parallel universes of Yes and the raucous, existential sideshows of ELP pouring through my big ass Koss headphones while I sat cross-legged in the basement with the album art opened on my lap.
That's when I realized that what I was listening to was a film score for my imagination, and it was at this point that "Mars Hollow" became an interactive album - and I got it. Mars Hollow makes you an accomplice to their music. They need you to complete the experience.
Vivian Sobchack, when she was Professor of Theater Arts and Film and Dean of the Arts Division at the University of California, Santa Cruz, wrote in her philosophical tour de force "Address of The Eye: A Phenomenology of Film Experience": "... what else is a film if not an expression of experience by experience?"
John Baker (guitar/lead vocals), Kerry Chicoine (bass/vocals), Jerry Beller (drums/vocals) and Steve Mauk (keyboards/vocals) are all smart, experienced musicians who know the craft of writing progressive rock music, though their music is not a static construct, not a cathedral with architectural influences to be found, recognized and understood (with one's hands behind one's back) but a dynamic listening environment to be experienced and participated in. They could have gone the "easy" route - they could have written the equivalent to what novelists call "teaching books" (books with obvious themes and messages), they have the knowledge and ability to do so - but rather they chose to craft this album with love and honesty. There is not a cynical song on this album.
There is so much to marvel at here, such an abundance of riches, that it would have been easy for them to cross the line from exquisite, natural showmanship to arrogance and bravado, and in lesser hands these compositions would have indeed easily veered from being that of a world class chef to rather a lazy, self-conscious hack who would spoil the soup by throwing anything and everything into it. This is progressive music with movements that are amazingly accessible and with juxtapositions that should not work, that should be jarring, but are not; there is no feeling of segments being "cut and pasted" within songs, in fact the movements make sense in and of themselves and have integrity (no matter how short lived they are) and they are fluid, like a well edited movie. It all seems so effortless and consummately skillful that you can't help but surrender yourself.
In keeping with the theme, in film editing terms, by placing a noninflected shot "A" (a shot without embellishment, that can stand on its own accord) in immediate juxtaposition with another noninflected shot "B" you should end up with another concept altogether that is not readily apparent and is the sum of these ideas in the mind's eye. Now, this accomplishes two things: first, whenever you "see" any part of the equation again ("A" or "B") you'll immediately think of the sum "C" and whenever you "see" a representation of "C" you'll think of the parts ("A" and "B") that make up that whole. This is one of the best (though perhaps confusing, albeit) ways that I can come up with to explain what it is that Mars Hollow achieves. I am also reminded of how Alfred Hitchcock described his camera craft and how he constructed scenes - he recorded what he had created and then created through his manner of recording. So, too, do the members of Mars Hollow with their music.
It excites me to be reinvigorated once more with progressive rock music as I had been when I first heard Marillion and then, later, Spock's Beard. The sound stage of this recording is broad and beautiful with superb clarity and depth of field, while the instruments themselves are distinct and seemingly compartmentalized in playing their attendant sub-themes and lines and easily recognizable though they gel brilliantly within the tapestry of the compositions of this album. Is it obvious that I love this album?
And as for that address of the mind's eye? Mars Hollow will find you and deliver. A stunning, ground-breaking (in my mind) "debut". 5 out of 5 stars (not a masterpiece, but according to the citeria this should be considered an "essential" in every prog lover's collection).
-George Andrade, Progressive Archives
It really isn't very often that you hear a debut album as assured and immediately impressive as this self titled offering from Mars Hollow. It may be true that the four musicians that make up this band can produce an impressive list of previous collaborators, that have links with everyone from The Beach Boys to Spock's Beard and many in between, however that shouldn't detract from just how impressive the seven Yes, Kansas, Discipline era Crimson and ELP (among many others) influenced songs on this album are.
All four of the musicians are impeccable throughout the entire album; however it is the manner with which guitarist John Baker, bassist Kerry Chicoine, keyboard player Steve Mauk and drummer Jerry Beller combine that really makes Mars Hollow the force they are and having Baker and Chicoine share lead vocals also adds a different dimension to the songs. None of the seven tracks are what could be described as short, however there is not a mundane moment anywhere in sight. The most instant of the seven is "Wild Animal" - the piano line that carries the slower passages is irresistible, while the harmony vocals, tumbling drum rolls and gentle guitar crashes that infuse the chorus are a joy. The beautiful clean guitar playing at the start of "If I Were You", which has made anybody I have played this album to, literally sit up and take notice, is a wonderful Howe like intro to a vocally dense, yet musically fresh song that combines numerous little sections into one deceptively simple track and really allows Mauk to show off on keys. The real tour de force is the lengthy closer "Dawn Of Creation", where Chicoine and Beller really emphasise their importance to Mars Hollow's sound with masterly displays that allow them both to really stretch out, yet keeps everything locked in place. The song is grand in scale, yet somehow still manages to contain a selection of hooks and motifs that really do make it possible for non-prog heads to get fully involved.
Anyone who has even a passing interest in progressive music based in the seventies, but brought bang up to date, really needs to have this album. The melodies are sumptuous, the musicianship superb, but most importantly the song writing is of the highest order. Mars Hollow are one of the few bands that have that elusive knack of combining intricate and complex instrumentation to remarkably accessible melodies and vocal hooks, in a way that leaves you enthralled by the music, yet still has you singing along with the choruses. The songs are never light weight, but somehow avoid being bogged down in any way by the scale of the themes and ideas that are allowed to come to fruition across this disc. This is truly an album that can and should be appreciated by real prog aficionados and lovers of catchy, but non-throwaway music who often are scared off by much the progressive genre has to offer.
– Steven Reid, Sea of Tranquility.org
--One of the best albums to come out this year so far--
Mars Hollow is one of the very few bands that have successfully managed to show a more accessible side of classically inspired symphonic prog... nonetheless, don't expect to listen to them on regular radio...
The musicians are highly skilled and the music never gets boring! Every instrument and performer featured here is, without doubt, a highlight. But as big keyboard fan, what I enjoyed the most are Steve Mauk's Keith Emerson inspired, but still original, keys (specially the organ!).
Both the instrumental and vocal sections are highly enjoyable and interesting. John Baker's voice delivers very competent and pleasant vocal work, reminiscent to Jon Anderson, Roger Hogdson and Geddy Lee (high pitched tenor) but, at the same time, it has its own particular signature. Despite of those references, Baker does a better job as guitar player and he doesn't measure up to those brilliant vocal performers.
The album kicks off with Wait for Me, a very Neo-Proggish piece with the classic prog inspiration (mainly Yes) flavored with a modern approach, this makes them somewhat reminiscent to Spock's Beard. Nonetheless, here you won't find any cloning: the music is 100% original. Highlights on this track are the rhythm section and keyboards. 4.25
Midnight is the first demonstration of the band's accessible qualities. The instrumentation is quite solid and the vocals aren't band either. 3.75
Eureka is one my favorite moments of the album, with its keyboard dominated nature it just screams Keith Emerson! But with the addition of the Mars Hollow touch we have a very interesting output. 4.5
If I Were You presents one of the best vocal performances of the album. Nice piece and an outstanding demonstration of what this group can do as a team. 4
In Your Hands is another great work, this time a bit softer and accessible but still of high quality. 4
The last two tracks are also among my favorite sections of the album. Wild Animal showcases more of the best vocals presented here and the guitar just shines + some great drumming, bass and keyboards complete the formula for a great song. 4.5
Dawn of Creation is the lengthiest track of the album and a magnificent way of closing the album. Here you can witness the full power of Mars Hollow with an amazing interplay between the musicians. 4.6
This band couldn't work so well without a solid rhythm section. And the dynamic duet of Jerry Beller (Drums) and Kerry Chicone (Bass) is more than that! Specially during those Yes inspired bass lines!
Another thing worth mentioning is all the amazing soloing. Sometimes jazzy and others pure symphonic, they make the band shine and definitively positions them in prog territory borderline crossover and symphonic (not just sophisticated sounding mainstream rock with prog tendencies).
Total: 4.23
Here you wont find anything really innovative or groundbreaking, but recommended to fans of classic prog ala ELP and Yes who don't mind a more accessible and modern approach.
There are some minor details they have to work out (such as the vocals, which heave their brilliant moments but still need something else...) but still a great debut, and I hear that it will pale in comparison to their upcoming album... If so, we are going to be getting a masterpiece (because if you improve this one a bit there is anything you could get but a masterwork )...
For now 4 very solid stars!
-Michael Gandelman, Progressive Archives
Woof! Woof!
Wow! At last! I've been waiting four months for a 2010 release to really grab my interest and, finally, it has arrived in the form of this absolutely splendiferous debut album from Mars Hollow! An album without fault: music that is at once complex, brilliantly played and yet melodic and catchy! Music! Hurrah!
Mars Hollow's music is going to appeal to a wide spectrum of progressive rock fans. It takes its roots from the classic, classically-influenced progressive rock bands of the seventies: Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Renaissance are strong discernable influences. However, don't be worried if, like me, you are now finding that, in particular, ELP's stuff sounds a bit dated, because these boys have brought what is best of the dynamism of new progressive music into their sound: the energy, verve and pure rock sound of bands like Spock's Beard and classical blitzkriegers Karcius. With catchy melody added to such heady musicianship and invention as is implied by those name checks you have a serious musical force. I'd be surprised if Mars Hollow doesn't end up as one of the year's top 5 albums, if not THE best – it's that good!
The band heralds from Southern California's San Fernando Valley and comprises four veteran musicians - John Baker (vocals/guitar), Jerry Beller (drums/vocals), Kerry Chicoine (bass/vocals) and Steve Mauk (keyboards/vocals). To be honest, that is perhaps the only disappointment – that they are "veteran" musicians; meaning that they might not be around making this wonderful music for the next fifty years. Still, they have plenty of experience playing in the Los Angeles progressive rock and pop scenes with such notables as – and revealing the source of some of the influences here – Ryo Okumoto (Spock's Beard) and The Endless Enigma (an Emerson, Lake and Palmer tribute), as well as other bands. And if you check out their website you'll see that these "veterans" don't look that veteranish, so I guess there's time for a few more albums yet. Please....
A feature of the structure of these songs, is the intermingling of technically skilful – but always pleasant, these are not technobratics for their own sake - instrumental passages with catchy, melodic vocal passages. Plenty of opportunity for the guys to show off their undoubted prowess in just about every musical department that counts.
A couple of vocal sections remind me of other melodies that, irritatingly, I can't quite put my finger on at the moment: first, the second vocal part of "Wait for Me" and then on "Midnight". No bother, these are not "stolen", merely "borrowed" – the guys do their own thing with them with great results! "Wait for Me" is a stunning opener, and the remainder of the album lives up to it!
The opening instrumental section of "Eureka" is like top-form Renaissance meeting Karcius head-on: wonderful organ sounds leading to a piano and bass blitzkrieg in the foreground, then back to the organ. The musicianship and singing throughout are first class but, in particular, the keyboards/piano playing throughout this album is a rare delicacy, worth the price of several CDs on its own!
Measured by the criterion of what music is playing in your mind when you wake up at night, then the catchiest song of the album is "Wild Animal", its sweeping vocal line giving a wonderful crescendo in the chorus is a real gem. All the songs are fairly long, comes with the genre I suppose, but none seem long, not even the 12+ minute finale, due to the excellence of the interspersed composition and strength of the melodic line.
The production is fab too: the music is not what you'd call "heavy" or "metal", but it IS loud with a fantastically meaty bass and those organs grinding away, overlay some guitar and powerful drums and the sound is awesome!
Alright, I'm waxing lyrical, but this really is THAT good; and you don't even have to believe me because I think the whole album is being streamed on the band's Facebook page for a period. Check it out!
Incidentally, the guys will be doing live performances throughout 2010 and if they can produce the album form live then they will be worth travelling many miles for – GO!!
– Alex Torres, Sea of Tranquility.org
So, here it is. The first cd by Mars Hollow outta Van Nuys. 7 tracks that could not be any closer to perfect. There are no weak tracks here. Sonically punchy and very dynamic. These guys put together an eargasm of tunes. I could try to list highlights but I'd be typing for days and still not tell you what you need. If you like great synth and keys, lush vocal harmonies, bad ass time changes, melodic guitars, and a drummer and bass player that work so well together you'd think they were married! (Happily) YOU WILL LOVE THIS CD! There are few bands that I am thankful that the members found each other and started creating music. Mars Hollow is one of those bands. Check them out @ marshollow.com
– Michael Preston, The Woodshed Prog-Rock Radio, WSLR, Sarasota, FL
“Pure prog bliss. Mars Hollow is a new California based symphonic rock band. You will hear obvious references to ELP, Triumvirat, Yes and Genesis and the band makes no pretentions about it. There are some moments that lay on the schmaltz a bit but if you like to jam out to Hammond organ, Mellotron, phat synth leads and ripping guitar solos...you have to check this disc out cuz these guys throw the hammer down. Highly recommended.”
– Ken Golden, Lasers Edge
“You guys are insane. I'm not sure this isn't archaeological research in a dead language that should have stayed dead, but you speak it so fluently, I'm unwillingly seduced. Crimson is No Longer King! You have the throne! Now just tell me how you remember all those crazy parts.”
- Kristian Hoffman, Solo Artist/The Mumps/Swinging Madisons
“I can't say enough good things about this album. When it comes to pushing my "prog buttons"...this thing is firing on all cylinders! From the opening notes of my first listen...I was hooked. The musicianship is absolutely top-notch...the arrangements within the compositions are totally engaging and constantly evolving within the context of the motif they're expressing...and the ensemble playing is incredibly tight (tighter than a gnat's ass stretched over a rain barrel). One might be tempted to fall into the game of "spot the influence", but there is clearly an identifiable "sound" to Mars Hollow. I know it's only April...but I find it hard to imagine any scenario where this isn't near the top of my list of "favorite releases of the year. Quite likely among my top favorite debut releases....ever."
Robert Marone, Progressive Ears
“My strongest recommendation to anyone who hasn't checked this band out -- this is simply superb music.”
Steve Kessler, Progressive Ears
“This album is a phenomenal achievement, an absolute joy from start to finish. The playing is first rate, the songs are well crafted and developed and the production is spot on. The vocal delivery dovetails well into the music and adds another dimension to the end result. There are nods along the way to a number of influences from the classic prog era but never anything that overstays it's welcome and certainly nothing that shouts "copy". I long to hear keyboards, in particular, being used as forefront instruments rather than fill and you get that here in spades. That said, this is clearly a band album and the playing throughout conveys both subtlety and power whenever the mood dictates. I've played this CD almost non-stop since yesterday lunchtime and I'm picking up more and more with each play.”
John Sealey, Progressive Ears
“Truly a terrific work, and one I suspect will not leave my CD player for a long, long time. I realize listening to this that Mars Hollow deliver something that I have been missing from prog for a long time. I can't quite put my finger on it beyond the obvious great songwriting/great chops combination. But there is something more than that.”
Jacob Holm-Lupo, White Willow
“I have purchased the cd and think it is excellent! Great progressive in the 70’s vein. The writing is well done and doesn't kill you on the retro thing.They wear their influences very well,and keep things very fresh sounding. An enjoyable listen. Let's support these guys!”
David M. Brown, Progressive Ears
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