Mars Red Sky are Julien Pras (vocals, guitar), Jimmy Kinast (bass, vocals), and Matgaz (drums), a French psychedelic stoner rock trio, and their latest release for Listenable is titled Apex III (Praise For The Burning Soul). Tossing in the stoner tag almost doesn't do these guys justice, as there is a lot more than fuzzed out doom riffing going on here, which you can pick up right from the creepy jazz/psych/prop opener "(Alien Grounds)". Yes, "Apex III" has some serious Black Sabbath inspired brontosaurus stomp to it with kick ass fuzz toned riffs, but the addition of some piano and haunting Hawkwind inspired vocals, this one travels into some completely foreign waters for sure. "The Whinery" is like a meeting of The Move, The Beatles, and Black Sabbath, while "Mindreader" and "Under the Hood" both mix lumbering doom with catchy pop hooks, the vocals sounding not unlike Papa Emeritus from Ghost. For an even stranger dynamic, check out the cute Beach Boys styled vocal harmonies on the psychedelic crunch of "Prodigal Sun", a bizarre track that really works despite its oddness. Probably the most enjoyable cut here though is the lengthy closer "Shot In Providence", filled with plenty of booming fuzz guitar & bass, effects laden lead guitar lines, and trippy vocal hooks.
Without a doubt a weird listen at times, it's safe to say that Apex III (Praise For The Burning Soul) is also at the same time one of the more unique albums you are likely to hear this year. Psychedelia and stoner metal have never sounded this good together.
Track Listing
1. (Alien Grounds)
2. Apex III
3. The Whinery
4. Mindreader
5. Under The Hood
6. Friendly Fire
7. Prodigal Sun
8. Shot In Providence
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