B-Side Guys

Colorado-born, Portland-based indie folk rock trio Mars FM is set to release their sophomore album, “Under Your Branches,” on August 30, 2024. This 10-track, 35-minute offering promises to be a deeply personal and introspective journey, marking a significant evolution in the band’s sound and storytelling.

Rooted in the red dirt and high deserts of Southwest Colorado, Mars FM – comprised of Zack Bauer, Zoe Larsen, and Eli Wheeler – has cultivated a sound that’s as expansive as the landscapes that shaped them. Their upcoming album, recorded in the wake of personal loss, showcases a more reflective and intimate side of the band’s artistry.

The album opens with “Petrichor,” a title that evokes the earthy scent following rain. This track likely sets the tone for the album, hinting at themes of renewal and natural cycles that run throughout the record. Given the band’s connection to their Colorado roots, one can expect this opener to blend their signature warm harmonies with evocative lyrical imagery.

“Manzanita,” named after the distinctive red-barked shrub common in the American West, follows. This choice of title suggests a continued exploration of natural themes, possibly serving as a metaphor for resilience in harsh conditions – a fitting parallel to the album’s themes of grief and acceptance.

The title track, “Under Your Branches,” sits at the heart of the album. As the namesake of the record, this song is likely to encapsulate the core emotional and thematic elements of the entire work. The image of seeking shelter under branches evokes feelings of protection and nurturing, perhaps reflecting on the comfort found in memories of loved ones lost.

“Deep Unknown” and “Colorado Winter” form the center of the album, potentially representing a turning point in the narrative. “Deep Unknown” might delve into the uncertainties that come with loss, while “Colorado Winter” could be a nostalgic reflection on the band’s roots, using the harsh beauty of a Colorado winter as a metaphor for enduring difficult times.

The second half of the album begins with “Lone Bird,” a title that suggests themes of solitude and perhaps a meditation on individual journeys through grief. This is followed by “Eagle Rising,” which could symbolize hope and transcendence, offering a potential uplift after the more introspective earlier tracks.

“Tall Trees” continues the nature-based imagery that runs through the album. This track might explore ideas of growth, permanence, and the passage of time – all relevant themes when processing loss and change.

The penultimate track, “Savior,” hints at a potential spiritual or emotional revelation. It could represent a turning point in the grief process, perhaps touching on the idea of finding salvation or comfort in unexpected places.

The album closes with “Time is a River,” a title that beautifully encapsulates themes of continuity and change. This final track is likely to offer a sense of resolution or acceptance, tying together the album’s exploration of grief and love.

What sets “Under Your Branches” apart is the context of its creation. Recorded over just ten days following the loss of Zoe’s grandparents, the album promises to be a raw and honest exploration of grief. The decision to record most of the album live adds an extra layer of authenticity and immediacy to the performances.

The band’s approach to vocal recording – laying down tracks in the early morning hours in a closet lit by salt lamps and candles – speaks to the intimate and almost ritualistic nature of this album’s creation. This attention to atmosphere is likely to translate into a deeply immersive listening experience.

Musically, listeners can expect Mars FM’s signature blend of psychedelic and folk rock elements. Their previous work has been praised for its warm, spring reverb guitar, honey-dipped harmonies, and cosmic overdrive. “Under Your Branches” seems poised to build on these elements while introducing a softer, more reflective tone.

The involvement of multi-instrumentalist Eli Wheeler suggests that the album will feature rich, layered arrangements. The band’s previous use of pedal steel and their “anything goes” spirit hints at a sonically diverse album that pushes beyond traditional folk-rock boundaries.

For Colorado music fans, “Under Your Branches” offers a chance to connect with a band that, while now based in Portland, still carries the spirit of the Centennial State in their music. The album’s themes of nature, changing seasons, and vast landscapes are likely to resonate strongly with listeners familiar with Colorado’s diverse environments.

As Mars FM prepares to release “Under Your Branches,” they stand poised to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners. The album promises to be a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and acceptance, all wrapped in the band’s distinctive sound that manages to feel both grounded and cosmic.

For those who appreciate indie folk that isn’t afraid to venture into more psychedelic territories, “Under Your Branches” should be high on the list of anticipated releases. Mars FM’s ability to create music that speaks to multiple generations while maintaining a unique voice suggests that this album will have broad appeal.

As August 30th approaches, listeners can look forward to an album that not only showcases Mars FM’s musical growth but also offers a deeply personal and potentially cathartic experience. “Under Your Branches” seems set to be more than just a collection of songs – it’s shaping up to be a journey through grief, love, and the mysterious spaces in between, all rooted in the red dirt and vast skies of the band’s Colorado origins.