The Mars McClanes are another band that I came across earlier this year and found myself instantly intrigued by. Based in Portland, they have a seriously unique and eclectic sound, and you never quite know what you’re going to get sonically from track to track. Their brand new release is ‘¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?’, a cover of the classic Augie Rios tune from 1958. Translating to ‘Where is Santa Claus?’, The Mars McClanes put an expertly fuzzy and biting spin on the song. It’s upbeat, catchy, and rather intoxicating if I say so myself. “It’s our favourite holiday song,” says the band. “It reminds us of our young wonder-filled selves for a couple of minutes.”
Citing influences like The Black Keys, Spoon, and Wilco, The Mars McClanes have done what’s important and created a sound that is undeniably their own. And that’s really the beauty of the band! Hints of influences and inspirations sprinkle their way in, but the music is purely The Mars McClanes and theirs alone!
It wasn’t long ago that I said Christmas music was never quite my thing. Some wonderful artists are turning me around though. And The Mars McClanes are certainly one of them!
Serious tune alert! Enjoy ‘¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?’ on Spotify now:
