Mars FM drops brand new album

Formed by the duo of Zack Bauer and Zoe Danille Larsen, joined by Eli Wheeler on drums, Mars FM’s origin story is as unconventional as their sound. It all began with a late-night radio show on KDUR in Durango, Colorado, where they spun records backward and concocted ‘jazz recipes’ during the midnight to 3am broadcast. In a surreal moment of radio-induced delirium, they decided to form a band. And thus, Mars FM was born.

The influences that inform Mars FM’s music are as diverse as they come, drawing inspiration from musical artists like Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Pixies, Jefferson Airplane, Joni Mitchell and Kurt Vile. This eclectic mix of inspirations sets the stage for their distinctive sound, a genre-breaking exploration that deconstructs elements of folk, rock, grunge and psychedelia, and rearranges them, filtered through their unique creative lens.

First unveiling their sound in July, they released their debut single titled “The Rug,” followed by sophomore track “Sedimentary” last month. Now they present the full scope of their unique sonic vision with their first full-length record titled The Sky Knelt to the Sea.

Delivering 10 new tracks, each crafting its own window to a specific place the band has spent time, distilling the beauty of the location’s natural surrounding, the album kicks off with “Beneath the Blue,” immediately immersing the listener in their unique folk-inflected sound. With an Americana rock and roll vibe, the first song sees Zoe’s compelling voice hover above a smokey blend of shuffling drums and grooving guitar riffs. With the chorus, a hazy sound erupts with lightly gritty guitar tones and moody melodic leads.

“Sedimentary” captures a blissful indie folk sound driven by gently twanging guitar tones, the gentle patter of drums and alluring vocal leads carrying picture painting lyricism, crafting a dreamy and transportive sound. “Staring at the Moon” offers a timeless Americana jam with a laid back rhythm, atmospheric guitar arrangement and beautiful vocal harmonies that sees Zack take the lead, back by the lush textures of Zoe’s voice.

“The Rug” injects a country rock energy with a softly driving rhythm and dynamic melodic writing that effortlessly shifts moods throughout. With the soaring pedal steel guitar lines, the song takes flight as an enduring slice of country music with a delicately psychedelic twist. Other highlights on the record include songs like “Flower Jam” with its mellow energy and dazzling vocal leads that flutter gracefully above soft piano tones, warm bass notes and intricate guitar plucks.

The album then closes with “Lammy,” a song that sees the full spectrum of their sonic output combine to craft a grungey rock sound driven by fuzzy guitar tones and Zack’s rich vocal leads and Zoe’s elegant flourishes collide above the splashy drum performance of album session musician Chris Moraga to craft a rousing finale to their sensational debut record.

Listen to The Sky Knelt to the Sea below

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