RHCP, Radiohead, The Strokes, Television, Os Mutantes, The Beach Boys, Death from Above, Rage Against the Machine, The Rolling Stones, Klaxons, the Arctic Monkeys, and blink-182 (drummer)
Life on Mars? Life on Mars sound like RHCP, Radiohead, and the Strokes if those bands were only able to practice three hours a week and weren't very motivated. The band includes three members who are very good at what they do, but struggle to find their sound, things they agree on, and the tempo. Though they dabble with experimental sounds, effects and structures, their music is very approachable, vamping on recycled pop songs and speed metal, and yet constantly evolving. If they are still together in a year, its likely that their sound will have changed dramatically. Not that anyone would hear this new sound as it seems impossible for them to find a gig in the Davis area. Their influences include the bands listed above as well as Television, Os Mutantes, The Beach Boys, Death from Above, Rage Against the Machine, The Rolling Stones, Klaxons, and sadly, Blink 182.
Life on Mars formed in late 2007 after their members met at UC Davis NCAA Division I Cross-Country practice. None of the individuals were actively trying to form a musical group and radically change history, though the thought was nice, but it turned out through random chit chat that they were all unusually experienced musicians as well as athletes. After deciding to have a jam sess, it was clear that each individual had underestimated the others' capabilities. The drummer was not exagerating and indeed was fairly skilled, but more importantly had a garage. The bassist, though he hadn't picked up a bass in four years and was addicted to heroine, could slap to the likes of a Flea Jr. And their guitarist was just another fairly proficient guitarist, but had the ideas and large ego to get the band moving. They all knew that with their forces combined, they could become something amazing. And so formed Life on Mars, a group that took a back seat to academics, athleticism, and gardening and sadly still does, until the members can be convinced that a commitment to the band could turn into something beyond the local bars.
Life on Mars is still situated in Davis and hates it. Someday, maybe they will move on to a better music scene and into greatness. Until then, keep watching the skies.
We are playing a rare show at the G Street Pub this Friday, November 20th. And we'll be joined by two great bands - The Nickel Slots (from Sacramento) and Coastwest Unrest (From Las Vegas). Check it out if you're free! Hugs, SatB
