Maple Mars is fronted by Rick Hromadka (formally of LA pop icons Double Naught Spies), accompanied with producer/guitarist Steve Berns, bassist Trevor Zimmerman and drummer Ron Pak.
"Galaxyland" is the 4th and latest (2010) release for Maple Mars, which is an extraordinary multi-layered timeless space-age concept album; that miraculously expresses Rick Hromadka's seemingly effortless ability to consistantly pioneer furocious hybrid psychedelic powerpop tunes after another.. Although "Galaxyland" is uniquely self-styled; some of the songs strongly recapture the essence and feel of the delightful Beatlesque melodies and classic early work of the 1970's modern rock era in reminiscence to bands such as ELO, Cheap Trick and Bad Finger, among others.. which venture into a more experimental direction and outwardly possess a dynamic and creative energy that packs a punch far beyond the 3 minute bubble-pop balladry; with roaring hard rocking guitars over mid-tempo grooves and heavy motifs; that transcends time and trend bringing the old standard melodic pop formulas to soaring heights!
I would like to further note, that although "Galaxyland" reflects some of the great earlier predecessors as mentioned; it boldly stands out on its own! In the sense; that often when artist attempt to intertwine past and futuristic sounds that echoes their inspirations; they may come up with an array of outlandish songs with good vocal talent and instrumentation; while producing a nice sounding album with a particular song or two that may be good...but they are not Great!!! For the reason being, the songs lack thier own genuine self-styled emotional energy that characterizes the songs; by trying to overly embrace and imitate thier predecessors in a newfangled approach; that more often than not mutilates the authenticy of thier music! Rick Hromadka on the other hand, has beautifully accomplished combining the elements of the past, present and future in a bona fide tenor of his own that is outpouring with unpredictable deep bone chilling emotional energy and talent that is stupendously ripping and rolling far beyond just good vocals.. "Galaxyland" does not have a good song.. it has many great songs with the potential of becoming futuristic classics! From "The Excusion" and "Tanscendal Guidance"; which are stellar psychedelic - pop tunes; the thundering power-pop in "Starting Over", to the sweet charming harmonies of "New Day", and the folkier sensualistic "Head Turner"; all of which are fantastic songs.. among other invigorating tracks on the album garnering superb honorable qualities; that has made listening to "Galaxyland" a beautiful enlightenedexperience! Highly Recommend!
Jan (editor)
1. The Excursion 2. Starting Over (Again) 3. Big Imagination 4. Prelude: New Day 5. New Day 6. Transcendental Guidance 7. Citizen Roger 8. When Bridges Fall 9. Borrowed Sunshine 10. Add the Numbers 11. Head Turner 12. Somewhere Back There
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