American Mars

Not many Americana bands come from up here in the “mitten state,” yet Detroit is home to American Mars. I’m happy to be seeing a Detroit act without “Kid” or “White” in their name garnering some attention for their music. American Mars is Thomas Trimble-vocals, guitar; David Feeny-pedal steel, guitar, vocals; Garth Girard-upright bass, vocals and Charlie Koltak-drums, vocals. Western Sides is the band’s third CD, this one released on Gangplank Records. The CD was originally begun in 2004, but bassist Garth Girard was diagnosed with colon cancer at this time, derailing the band and the project...temporarily!  Now they’re back, with Girard given a clean bill of health in 2006, and the CD is finally done. 

The CD opens with the moody “Long Walk Home” backed with some echoing guitars and pedal steel.  The music definitely leans more toward the pop/rock side of Americana. Their music generally comes at you more as an electric ‘wall of sound’ more typically found in rock. One of the exceptions to this is the title track “Westernside,” which starts off with a more jazzy, softer feel with a great deal of single note guitar playing. The tune also showcases some of Trimble’s best singing and best lyrics. 
I live on the westernside of you, I know you think it’s funny but you know it’s true
ducking out the backroads, running out of the dark,
throwing stones at shadows, kissing on a lark
I’m the shiver in the corner, you’re the speck in my eye.
I’m the drink you didn’t order, the cloud in your sky.

On “Make It Up,” one of my favorite tunes, Trimble even has a bit of Dylan snarl in his voice.  “Marionette” is another excellent tune on the CD, with more of a country feel than the rest of the CD. The disc is well produced by band-member David Feeny.  The sound is crisp and not overpowering.  There is just enough pedal steel thrown in to make the music sound like it may come out of Detroit, but perhaps the “southern” side of Detroit.