Thomas Trimble-vocals, guitar David Feeny-pedal steel, guitar, vocals Garth Girard-upright bass, vocals Alex Trajano-drums
Influences
Lucinda Williams, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Charlie Rich, The Gun Club, Gene Pitney, Joy Division.
Sounds Like
..
“Hailing from Detroit, yet having not a trace of the Motor City rock element, the ethereal sound of American Mars is an impassioned and moody brand of indie-Americana.”-Miles of Music
Harp Magazine For the past decade, American Mars has denied its Detroit heritage in favor of atmospheric heartland roots rock that romps like Ryan Adams and ruminates like Joe Henry. The quartet (featuring Blanche pedal steelist David Feeny) was ready to capitalize upon the buzz generated by its first two albums when bassist Garth Girard’s bout with colon cancer derailed the band. American Mars finally returns with Western Sides, the album it began in 2004 and a triumph on almost every level. Vocalist/guitarist Thomas Trimble takes lyrical and sonic cues from Bob Dylan (“Anna Marie”) and Tom Petty (“Marionette”), but is equally comfortable in applying a messy smear of Paul Westerberg to the proceedings, particularly on the Stonesy country crunch of “Democracity.” Flecks of the Jayhawks’ sparse rootsy shimmer (“Sunray”) and Adams’ urban cowboy swagger (“Who Here?”) sparkle throughout, but it all adds up to American Mars’ uniquely scuffed beauty.—Brian BakerMar/Apr 2008
FreightTrainBoogie.com(five out of five stars)
This is a dynamic and studied work from Detroit-based American Mars with first rate songs from the band and exceptional production from multi-instrumentalist David Feeny. Cinematic soundscapes such as “Long Walk Home” and “Better Angels” feature lush pedal steel and mix it up with an alt rock guitar style that reminds one of the Cure. Sort of alt.country shoe-gazers Cowboy Junkies meet alt.brit shoe-gazers my Bloody Valentine, with intriguing effect. "Democracity" rocks out in a David Bowie/Lou Reed fashion while "Marionette" is a classic folk rockish cautionary tale. The jacket with this CD offers sincere thanks for finding this “endangered species of recorded music” but besides the musician's gratitude the reward is in the listening.—Michael Meehan
Real Detroit Weekly(four out of five stars)
One of last year’s albums that’s really grown on me since its release is Bruce Springsteen’s Magic, quite the stellar comeback tour de force from the Jersey blue collar vet. The third release from Dearborn cowboys American Mars lassos the open range ramble of Magic with the vocals of Thomas Trimble, who crosses between Tom Petty and HOWL-era Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Feeny’s stellar pedal steel and Trimble’s weathered blues on “Long Walk Home,” hit the heart like a thunderbolt, because this is a band that has seen their own struggles, and while The Boss was born to run, American Mars stampedes through Detroit’s rich folk pastures.–Thomas Matich
Detroit Metro Times
Transcendence is the operative word here. With all that biblical imagery — not to mention the band's persistence through a decade in a city that favored trends — American Mars seems, more than anything, obsessed with things that last.—Daniel Johnson
WOW! No really, WOW! For risk of continuing an old cliche, "you guys rock"! Hey old things can be good, can't they? Like melody, delivery, substance, musicianship....
Great creative songwriting. Excellent energy and top drawer production.
The Pounders thank you for adding us as friends. We are in good company.
Come celebrate four years of Jarrod Champion Sleeps Till Dusk! We've invited Dave Graw (Bang! Bang!, Heads Will Roll, Old Tiger Stadium) to join us on vibes...don't miss it!
The Magic Stick is located at 4120-4140 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI as pert of the Majestic Theater complex.
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Hey American Mars! Thanks for the add, and thanks for the kind words about our own humble little tunes. Love your song "Democracity", it's very much in line with what one of heroes Art Bergman would have done.
Nice to meet you, and remember to always start your day with a bowl full of That Satisfying Crunch!
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