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The Mars
Patrol: Turn It Around EP
What acting producer Ross Nelson (who makes up the band with vocalist Davina Divine) has been able to accomplish in the studio is nothing short of incredible. Crisp and effective, layered and bright the physical albums typically self-released look and presentation belie the technical skill brought to the table. Two guitars, two vocals and some occasional percussion (usually more for effect than rhythm) do the work of a five-person band. Album opener Spokes of Reality and the last song Turn It Around are anthemic and likeable, so flushed and overexcited, as they exhort the listener to take advantage of the ample opportunities for connection without becoming twee or disingenuous. The idealism and exasperation of Turn It Around is particularly fresh self-accusatory even in its fast, catchy complaint. Divine locates her inner soul singer on the evocative and powerful standout Sanitize, accompanying herself in ethereal backup while maintaining a strong and yearning through-line on the main vocal. The instrumentation is driving and effective, and the structure is full of pleasant and solid twists and turns. In Breathe, although the anger of the lyrics does not really come across in Divines lovely voice, the guitars more than pick up the impetus, with a rousing chorus and a comparatively spare composition. Bought & Sold is a lesser light, although there are no glaring faults and a few lovely touches (a DiFranco strum-crash halfway through perfectly underscores a particularly emotional moment). Theres simply a momentum in the song that never resolves itself, never leaves ground in the way that the EPs other tracks make seem so effortless. Highly recommended.
The Mars Patrol Official Website Check Amazon, Insound and CD Universe to purchase this album.
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