The Mars Tapes: UK review

http://www.the-rocker.co.uk/

PETER BANKS EMPIRE
The Mars Tapes
Gonzo

Former Yes / Flash guitarist Peter Banks died in March 2013 at 65 of heart failure, but his collaboration with Empire is often overlooked when people look back at his career. This album, “The Mars Tapes” was recorded live at Mars Studios in Los Angeles during 1979, and includes some tracks that never appeared on any of the other Empire records.

Fronted by the future Mrs Banks, one Sydney Foxx, her gritty voice pointed Empire towards a mix of blues and prog, which in places is actually very good. But even during the odd leaden moment, you can never drag Mr Banks away from his progressive guitar sound, which is very much a saving grace.

As with most “lost” albums, not everything should have been resurrected, but the music, which was recorded during six months of studio rehearsals, direct from the control desk has enough juice to satisfy fans of Mr Banks. Cruelly, though, for Genesis fans they’ve thrown in a song which sees Banks performing with Phil Collins on a track called ‘Sky At Night’, from their time as Zok and the Radar Boys before Collins decided to concentrate on his Brand X sideline. A wicked, but profitable lure, albeit one that leads into some interesting music.

CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO:

The Mars Tapes 2CD - £11.99