American Mars - Late

Monday 1st June 1998
American Mars - Late
American Mars - Late

STYLE: Rock
RATING 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 13535-14130
LABEL: Independent
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Strong debut album from Detroit-based indie rockers with a penchant for surging twangy guitars, memorable melodies and cool vocals. Main songwriter Thomas Trimble shares vocals (check out the vibey excellence of his singing on "Grief and "Muscle Car") with Kate Richardson's beautiful haunting voice (imagine a harder Leigh Nash!) and all these songs stir emotionally and bleed passion. '"Hourglass" is a brilliant song! Full of poetry and contemporary reference points as Trimble explores the desolate landmarks of his Gen X life before pointing to a more Optimistic future, "when the call come through clear/Rise." From the broody moody delicate indie sounds that pervade much of this magnificent album the sudden sweeping emergence of the surfer punk "Queen Bee" comes as a tempo changing shock but the band continue to up the juice with "Sugar Cone" (to imagine what it sounds like, picture Hank Marvin as a 22 year old in 1998!). In fact, if you married early U2, a little Joy Division and some Sixpence you'd get a beautiful post punk indie sound like American Mars have created here. Incredible vibe, great songs. Buy!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Reader Comments

Posted by Erik in USA @ 06:36 on Feb 20 2007

Great, accurate review. While many Detroit bands pay homage to Detroit's musical past, this album has a great sense of place that feels like modern day Detroit, and impressively sustains that feel throughout the album. Edgy melancholy might be one attempt to describe it. Great music and literate lyrics. This is one of those great bands who, in a better world, more folks would have the opportunity to hear. Recommended.



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.