Band: Peter Bank’s Empire
CD Title: The Mars Tapes
Label: Gonzo Multi-Media (2014)
Original
Yes guitarist Peter Banks had quite a productive musical career after
leaving the symphonic proggers. After a solo disc and then three discs
with the band Flash he went on to form Empire. This two disc set
represents the rehearsal tapes for what would eventually become Empire
III released in 1979. The sound is that classic seventies progressive
rock, with mostly longer songs featuring Bank’s guitar solos everywhere.
I find it difficult to make the distinction of his guitar work sounding
like early Yes because it sounds equally Flash and ultimately Empire.
Perhaps the primary distinguishing feature of Empire was the powerful
vocals of Sidonie Jordan. She brings a bluesy intensity to the musical
proceedings that set it apart from other prog inspired music of the day.
As you would expect there are plenty of musical change-ups given that
many of these compositions are built of varying segments or bits of
music. There’s a fair bit of music on these two discs and some of it
does seem to go nowhere, just jamming. Other times the songs just sound
rather ordinary as if the band were simply playing to see where their
music would go. Ultimately it’s an insight into the inner workings of
the band on the studio floor. There was a fair bit of debate on whether
to actually release this material given it’s rough, off-the-the-floor
sound. In truth the mix is a little flat in spots and there’s plenty of
tape or studio hiss to go around. Still it’s a valuable document showing
the band in more-or-less a live situation full of energy and musical
ideas. Fans of Peter Banks will undoubtedly have much to appreciate as
they listen to The Mars Tapes.
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO:
The Mars Tapes2CD - £11.99
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