I never quite know how instrumental songs get their names. Does it conjure up a certain image in the creator’s mind prompting them to name it so? No matter the name or idea behind it, Rhythm of Mars does a stand up job on their instrumental compositions recently released. The duo from Arkansas has a goal of getting their music onto TV show and movie soundtracks, and I could certainly see that happening.
If the terms ‘ambient’ and ‘instrumental’ lead you to believe this music will lull you to sleep, think again. It demands to be listened to. Aaron Straub plays electric guitar with passion and conviction and it blends beautifully with Patti Unruh’s keys, percussion and string mastery. With combined influences of Santana and Yanni, you can imagine how awesome this music is. It manages to be soothing and engaging at the same time. The guitar work gives the listener that same unexplainable urge and utter appreciation that comes over them while listening to the end of (or any part of, really) “Stairway to Heaven.”
The ambience is relaxing and commands admiration for the resplendent musicianship these two display track after track. Rhythm of Mars reminds me of a slightly gentler version of Long Distance Calling. They produce music that is universal and can transcend genre boundaries. While I still can’t connect any of the titles to the songs, it doesn’t matter. This music would sound just as fantastic coming through your laptop speakers as it would a backdrop to the silver screen.
