We’ve featured Republic of Mars since they went by their original Russian-pronounced name of Respublica Mars, and it’s great to see / hear them back with what is absolutely, 100% their best release to date. From the well-crafted scene setting intro track through the ball-busting eleven “full” numbers, this is as good a hard rock album as you’ll hear this year. All gritty riffs and “woah yeah”s, it’s both up to date and old school.
“Winter (Coming For You)” gets things going with a huge bang, while “Losing You” is more laid back and reminds me of the likes of Mr Big or Zakk Wylde’s Pride & Glory project. “Cowboy”‘s vocals occasionally bring Bon Jovi to mind, perhaps not surprising given the title.
“Sorcerous Words” just flies through, then they throw in something like “The Era” which has more of a prog feel. Things wrap with “Dream is Over” which could have come from Van Halen courtesy of the keys and guitar flurries.
Thing is, if you can create an album which reminds people of these huge acts while still having your own sound then you’ve truly created something great in its own right… and that’s just what The Republic of Mars have here. It’s a cracking hard rock album which should appeal to any of the fans of those huge American acts, despite coming from a nation which (historically at least) was always a massive rival.
Don’t believe us? Want a listen? We have two digipak versions of the CD to give away to the first two people (UK / EU only for postage reasons!) who post comments below asking for one. That’s it. Just ask! You’ll need to include your email address on the comment form, but it won’t be made public and will only be used to you to send you the CD.
Republic of Mars: facebook | soundcloud | reverbnation | bandcamp | myspace
Sounds good. May I have one, please?