AM shows coming at ya! First, we play tomorrow, March 28 at TC’s in Ypsilanti, MI with Todd Deatherage, The Farewells, and Dirt Road Logic. We’ll play around 11pm.
Here’s a peek at more upcoming shows:
Tuesday, April 22–National Bohemian Home (Detroit, MI)
Friday, April 25–Detroit Music Awards (Detroit, MI)
Saturday, April 26–Schubas (Chicago, IL)
Tuesday, May 7–Blind Pig (Ann Arbor, MI)
Check the full schedule here.
We’ve also gotten some nice press over the last few weeks. First off, Chris Parker from Detroit’s Metro Times has written a great profile of the band that includes a stunning photo from pro-shooter Doug Coombe (see above). Here’s an excerpt from Chris’ article:
“A musician’s life is mostly more affliction than avocation. Perhaps there should be a 12-step program. Like the priesthood or reality TV, musicians sacrifice much of their lives for a paltry fiscal payoff, if any at all. It definitely requires a peculiar mentality. That’s the best explanation for what drives American Mars, the smart Motor City-area band that, so far, has existed quietly on the fringes…” Read the rest of the article here.
Western Sides also got a positive review from Harp magazine’s Brian Baker. Harp recently announced that they’ll be closing up shop so the issue is now assured to be a collector’s item. Seriously though, we’re sorry to see Harp go. Along with No Depression, it is the second major music mag to go under within the last few months. A sign of the changing character of independent music. Anyway, here’s Harp’s review of Western Sides:
“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.” See the review for yourself here.