Press & Reviews for The MMC

GILM!

  • “In just over 100 seconds of uptempo indie rock cut with subtle punk attitude, with “GILM!” The Mars McClanes serves up a thrilling jam that entertains from start to finish. Kicked off with the twang of lead guitar plucks riding the splash of drums and strums of acoustic guitar, Brian’s vocals glide in to thread lively melodic leads spinning lyrics about the legitimacy of the word ‘gilm.’ Packed full of bouncy rhythm, punchy vocal lines and energising instrumentation, “GILM!” is an instantly catchy outing that showcases the lighthearted charm of the band’s songwriting and their knack for crafting intriguing artistic worlds.” — Plastic Magazine

  • “The Mars McClanes are the wildest alternative, indie-rocking country band you’ll ever stumble upon. Their new single, “GILM!” is perhaps the most infectious song of 2024 thus far and manages to amalgamate all the genres listed above into an insanely effective pop tune that by all accounts should not make a lick of sense, but somehow does.” — Get Some Magazine

UNTIL YOU LOSE

  • “The band intentionally sought a massive sonic reset, and “Until You Lose” scratches that itch with its robust, guitar-driven sound. The chorus, “Everyone wants to know you, until they do,” encapsulates the vulnerability at the heart of the song. The Mars McClanes use their music as a medium to explore the emotional complexity of human relationships and the delicate balance between appearing successful and confronting one’s inner fears.” — JYLA Blog

  • “While the band deliver punch-drunk riffs, psych-rock grooves, and angsty lyrics throughout, you really can’t beat the catchiness of the chorus. Poking fun at the sycophantic fame-hunters, they sing ‘everyone wants to know you, until they do, everyone wants to love you, until you lose.’” — Unrecorded

  • “Until You Lose is a must-listen for fans of modern alternative rock. It’s a catchy, well-crafted song with a unique sound that will stay with you long after you listen to it.” — Edgar Allan Poets

DECEMBER SONGS

  • “I think this is part of what makes the track so great. That dissonance between the sound of the song and its meaning reflects the feeling of being surrounded by joy when things are grim.” — Music Taste

  • “This cool ballad deviates from mainstream Christmas tunes, presenting a unique acoustic experience with a blend of wonderful arrangements and deep lyrics.” — Edgar Allan Poets

  • “The Mars McClanes deliver a poignant and introspective musical journey with ‘December Songs,’ a composition that skillfully navigates the delicate landscape of holiday heartache.” — The Musical Road

  • “‘December Songs’ isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. It’s a window into the emotional tapestry of the holiday season, showcasing The Mars McClanes’ ability to craft a song that’s both introspective and universally relatable. In a world inundated with commercialized Christmas tunes, this track stands tall as a beacon of authenticity, inviting listeners to delve into the complexity of their own emotions during this time of year. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in this beautifully crafted piece of music!”— Dulaxi

BE STILL

  • “With soulful tunes, a stunning, rejuvenating pace, outstanding vocals, and simple yet artistic production, this song becomes a stellar piece of art, that you shouldn’t miss out on if you are an indie lover!” — Sinusoidal Music 1/19/23

  • “Dreamy and charming, you can easily become lost in the hazy ambience; however, desperation also exists exploring human fragility within a soul-stirring track.” — The Other Side Reviews 1/19/23

  • “The verses build you up and the chorus knocks you down in a slow, caressing fashion that is confounding.” — TJPL News 1/19/23

  • ““Be Still” holds a strong resemblance to some of Porcupine Tree’s mellow tracks. A mix of acoustic and electronic elements creates a weightless atmosphere in a timeless spot. Some might call it a lullaby, others a therapeutic song, either way, it’s truly a track that elevates our hopes and dreams, bringing sweet memories from the past, and positive glimpses toward the future.” — Less Than 1000 Followers 1/17/23

¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?

  • “Just to be clear… we hate Christmas songs, but if anyone was going to change our minds, then it would be The Mars McClanes, and honestly… this track rocks!!” — Send Me Your Ears December 2022

  • “It’s the perfect Christmas song for those who want something a little different than the usual fare.” — Sinusoidal Music 9/12/22

  • “The Mars McLanes do a fantastic job of bringing new life to this classic holiday tune. Their energetic performance is filled with pomp and cheer, making it the perfect addition to any holiday playlist. The catchy chorus is sure to get stuck in your head, and the playful call-and-response between the lead vocalist and backing singers adds to the fun and joyous atmosphere of the song.” — Find No Enemy December 2022

  • “The Mars McClanes’ version of the song features fuzzy telecasters, anthemic vocals, and vivid drums adding a rocking twist to the Christmas classic. “¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?” by The Mars McClanes’ is a cheerfully raucous holiday jam and the perfect addition to any Christmas Party playlist.” — Senocular Media 12/19/22

  • “The vocals are upbeat, jovial and hit that angst harmonic that’s always sitting just out of reach. When they smash it, the guitars blaring, the cymbals smashing, and the bass bopping, the festive feelings flow. A wonderful choice for a cover, one that I believe many haven’t listened to time and time again. This feels fresh and rocking.” — TJPL News December 2022

BROKE KID

  • “A bright indie singer graces our ears, his voice is so melodic and positive that it makes me want to rise up to any point in life and feel the taste of freedom!” — Illustrate Magazine 10/18/22

  • ““Broke Kid” shows some different sides of The Mars McClanes and proves their worth as musicians with diverse influences trying to create their very own sound. Looking forward to more from The Mars McClanes…” — Rockera Magazine 9/23/22

  • “Let’s high five the brave few willing to bet their hearts on unfinished people…The opus expands into a 90s style rock chorus, “with nods to Jack Johnson, Jackopierce, and Toad the Wet Sprocket.” We can feel these influences coming through, but there is no doubt that The Mars McClanes are in a lane of their own.” Karl is my Unkle 9/21/22

  • “It’s not often you come across that timeless style of indie music, the kind that found itself almost at a zenith during the early 2010s and late 00s. The Mars McClanes have tapped into that style, nailing the emotional core while also bringing out a wholly new element through the uniqueness of the guitar work.” — Find No Enemy 9/18/22

  • “Broke Kid is masterful in its use of different sections. With some lovely break downs and rise and fall, this is a song that easily maintained our interest for many listens. We particularly liked the tremolo effect on the guitar that swirls around before heading back into an acoustic strummed uke again. A super catchy indie rock/folk track…The Mars Maclanes have produced yet another fun and catchy track that brings a smile to your face. This talented 4 piece from Portland (US) are most definitely making waves in all the right directions. We look forward to more and urge you to add them to your playlist.” — Send Me Your Ears 9/17/22

THE LIAR

  • “Absolutely f’ing great chorus” — Phantom Power Music

  • “Written about that guy at every party who impresses the impressionable with his tall tales and famous name drops, with hints at his own self-loathing, with “The Liar” the band spin a relatable song that they found as easy to write as the subject finds weaving lies.” — Plastic Magazine 12/7/22

  • “The Mars McClanes. Remember the name as you’ll wanna rehearse the classic, “Oh I know them, I’ve been listening to them since, ‘The Liar’”. ‘The Liar’, being the title of their new single. And what a single it is. The lyrics are bold, funny at times, and the whole song comes together with a classic American naughties rock angst that I and many others live for.” — TJPL News October 2022

  • “It’s nearly mind-blowing how the Americana/country aesthetic pairs with alternative rock. You’ll immediately notice that in acoustic chord progressions, semi-distorted riffs, slide guitar licks, and rhythmic segments. The Liar possesses a perfect structure based on thoughtful arrangements, catchy accentuations, and various enhancements and decorations, so it’s a complex song worth listening repeatedly.” — Thoughts Words Action October 2022

  • “…we paid attention to and got great pleasure from this fiery song…” — Indie Dock 10/19/22

  • “The Mars McClanes marry the heavy intensity of Pacific Northwest rock with the rollicking honky-tonk of Dallas, where they spent years cutting their teeth. On "The Liar," the Portland-based band sketches a portrait of a compulsive, if harmless, liar with frenetic punk rock energy and country rock humor. The character feels complete and lived in, no small feat matched by The Mars MacClanes' frenetic energy.” — Rachel Cholst, The Boot 8/18/22

  • “The Liar” featured on From The Straight’s The Rundown 8/15/22

  • “[The Mars McClanes] cut their teeth in honky tonks around Texas, evidenced by the hard-hitting guitar slinging in “The Liar.” The song is frenetic with its outrageous, stream-of-consciousness storytelling — clever, off-the-cuff, and vivid. — Adobe & Teardrops 8/12/22

DAY IS DONE

  • “Day Is Done by The Mars McClanes is about that moment in your 20s when you finally understand that the love you earn over time beats the kind you rush into.” Full band interview — Musicarenagh 9/15/22

  • “There’s a sense of pureness, an unfiltered joy that The Mars McClanes bring to life on ‘Day is Done.’ The strange mixture of classic and modern rock is a vibrant and resplendent piece that simply exudes a rosy and nostalgic exterior that has you smiling at the ear.” Find No Enemy 7/14/22

  • “‘Day is Done’ is a perfect vacation song.” — Sinusoidal Music 7/12/22

  • “If you haven’t checked this piece out yet, then definitely be sure to, you won’t regret it!” — Strike a Note 7/12/22

WHEREVER YOU GO

  • “The Mars Mcclanes have been amazing in their compositions, with a nice sound to listen to, light indie rock, with a very present guitar, agitated, strong beats, a vocal that takes us along in the music.” — IndieOClock 6/29/22

  • “Housing addictive lyrics and a charismatic energy, the track pulls you in from the start. The chorus is anthemic and the chugging guitars gives “Wherever You Go” just the right amount of raw, old school energy to add a nostalgic tinge. With power pop similarities throughout, the track burns like a Beatles tune while still housing The Mars McClanes signature vibe.” — Rising Artists 6/25/22

  • “The main vocal line, accompanied by perky backing vocals, gives the track its “main character” stance, and will have you singing along to the chorus as though you’ve known the song for years.” — YMX 6/24/22

  • “I was about to mention that the band’s sound in this and the preceding two tracks sound (in a positive way) like a song trapped in time from twenty years ago then I discovered that the band debuted all the way back in 2001. The way the tune is mixed and its arrangement reminded me of old songs I had on my Sony MP3 player from way back when, which made perfect sense. It is a misnomer to refer to it as “alternative rock” because it is an unadulterated rock at its purest. According to my knowledge, it is distinct from anything labeled “alt-rock”; in fact, it is precisely what many young alt-rock musicians seek to emulate but fail to achieve.” — Rocker Magazine 6/20/22

  • “Wherever You Go is the perfect song to kickstart the summer of fun that the world needs right now. It’s got a really youthful charm about it, full of bounce and zest for life. The lyrics are memorable and do a great job of persuading the listener to get out on the open road and make some memories of their own.” — Fame Magazine 6/19/22

  • “Wherever You Go is the best choice for an explosive, electrifying and adrenergic indie road-trip! Underpinned by fast keys, pounding beats and slick guitars the performances are loaded with fire and willpower being catchy as hell especially in the chorus about devoting all your attention and blindly following someone! Oh, it bangs so hard! You can' t go wrong with this outstanding power pop tune!” — The Pigeon 6/17/22

  • “Russ, on the other hand, is a huge fan of Legos. There is only one thing to get him—Legos.” — Music Arena GH 6/16/22

  • “Going in the same romantic line of Cheap Trick’s The Flame, or even Every Breath You Take without the creepy undertones, The Mars McClanes have returned once more with a track that aims not towards negativity, but the celebration of life… and road trips!” — Less Than 1000 Followers 6/14/22

  • “Wherever You Go is a classic power pop punk song with a vintage vibe that you will keep spinning on your road trips.” — Sinusoidal Music 6/13/22

  • “The single is the perfect alt-rock anthem for summer; it has an out-of-school energy that carries throughout with help from the electric guitar, pounding drums, and the lyrics. It encourages the listeners to roll the windows down and put their feet up, feeling the sunshine on their face.” — Alchemical Records 6/13/22

  • “Don’t even think about not having fun with The MarsMcClanes” — Roadie Music 6/13/22

  • “Opening the opus with the lyrics, “Let’s hit the road…” we are indeed ready to roll with The Mars McClanes as they deliver an ode to the open road with a classic power pop meets indie pop energy.” — Karl is my Unkle 6/11/22

THE WORRIERS

  • “The band approaches this theme with a funky groove that takes one back to the old days but the melody keeps them grounded to this modern day.” — Illustrate Magazine 7/2/22

  • “Good lyrics layers with the perfect instruments you can combine for this work,  the vocals are heartfelt and clear while the lyrics are clever and deep.” — Saiid Zeidan 6/22/22

  • “The Mars McClanes have a cautionary tale for those who are cautious in the decisions they make, wrapped in the engaging rock-pop flow of ‘The Worriers’. The melody grabs your attention from the first stop-start movement and only becomes better as the guitars tumble through the top line. The vocals move from reflective to a warning, leaving you with a lot to think about.” — The Other Side Reviews 6/15/22

  • “All I have to say about the opening of this track is YES! … There are all sorts of guitar sounds found here and I am 100% here for it. 10/10 for Guitar Riffs hands down. Get familiar with The Mars McClanes” — TJPL News 6/10/22

  • “The Mars McClanes are certainly here to leave their marks. Punchy drum beats and fearless guitar have their own charms complementing each other in a rock-funk, sensational way that instantly explodes in your ears like fireworks.” — The Punk Head 6/6/22

  • “They are sensational, incredible, bring us the best of indie rock!” — Indieoclock 6/1/22

  • “A Rock sound infused with Pop that pulls you along and never lets go, you will undoubtedly love the musical universe of The Mars McClanes” — Iggy Magazine (Article in French) 5/31/22

  • “…the single will take The Mars McClanes to the most stratospheric layers around the planet, in the most inhospitable corners possible, because the song really is SENSATIONAL!” — Roadie Music (Article in Portuguese) 5/30/22

  • “The Worriers” features slick indie riffs, a super killer hook, solid drums, charismatic alternative lead and playful synths that work as a stellar refinement! Flowers everyday!” — The Pigeon

  • “Impressive instrumental work takes the listener down an enjoyable ride of unique transitions and big catchy hooks. The band really shines here by blending elements from a few genres under the rock n roll umbrella with their own songwriting style. Overall we're left with a fresh and unique sound that leaves you wanting more. We're not sure what the band has planned next, but we're here for it and we can't wait to find out.” - The Worriers review - Havoc Underground 5/25/22

  • Interview — Lost in the Manor 5/21/22

  • “And while the bassy drive and the honest calm vocals remind me of this important fact of life, the tune has this certain cool flavour attached, making me put on my best smile and my sunglasses at night. As we all should every now and then.” — KMS Reviews The Worriers 5/20/22

  • “The Mars McClanes Make a Glorius Comeback with The Worriers” — Gabriel Mazza, WEAREYMX

  • “'The Worriers' is an original masterpiece created from interesting arrangment ideas and played by wonderful musicians. The song has elements of funk-rock and indie music. Cascading drums and live guitar parts catch every beat and make the song playful and organic. The vocals have a pleasant timbre that beautifully conveys the mood of the song.” — Indie Dock Music Blog 5/16/22

  • “A 70’s grooved Alt-Indie Rock track that delights with its loosen vibe and 00’s energy. “The Worriers” is an ode to all of us too afraid to make a move, a cautionary tale for the overly cautious.” — Less Than 1000 Followers

  • “Setting the vibe with bold and immersive drums, fused with intricate guitar, we are already hypnotized with The Mars McClanes‘s latest single, The Worriers.” — Karl is my Unkle

  • “The Mars McClanes manage to stand out from the crowd with a unique sound. The singer’s voice has an intriguing timbre and in general, these guess have created an enviable sonic chemistry.” — Edgar Allan Poets

RIDDLE

  • From The Strait’s “The Rundown” features Riddle 4/19/22

  • “It’s mysterious and alluring without giving too much of itself away with any given line or musical note. There is a sense of withholding that will make you want to stay and hear them out. Whether or not you answer the riddle correctly is not as important as the way it makes you feel as you puzzle it out.” — Alchemical Records on “Riddle” 4/19/22