by Nathan Cardiff

Mars Lights have one purpose and that is to just make some killer rock and roll, and on their EP Only Bang Is Bang they totally succeed. The three piece lets buzzy and wailing guitars create a driving pulse with brutal drums smashing forward. The dual vocals sneer a chorus on the first track “Radio Edit,” getting out of the way to let the guitar solos hit you in the face. The song is an all-out rocker and never slows up in their noisy, nasty delivery.

“Nein” is a complete anthem, pushing just over six and a half minutes. Guitar solos stand front and center, but this track sounds completely different with its grand scale, clear vocals, and roaring drums. They let the song swell and then fade before it’s slow-burn crescendo hits.

And then there’s the driving pop of closer “Ghost You Out.” The playful vocals sing “oh-oh-oh” and you’re thinking “is this still the same band?” Mars Lights know they can play rock and roll any way they like and they do; three blazing songs make Only Bang Is Bang unique and an easily accessible sound for audiences that want their rock in many forms.

by Nathan Cardiff