Tag Archives: Marsicans

Marsicans ‘The Absence’ EP

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Leeds indie band Marsicans are James Newbigging (lead vocals and guitar), Oliver Jameson (guitar and vocals), Rob Brander (bass, keyboards and lead vocals) and Matthew ‘Cale’ McHale (drums and vocals). They have released their new EP ‘The Absence’ this month. The EP is the culmination of Marsicans’ 2016 releases and features the four tracks which have had national airplay in the UK via Radio 1 and Radio X over the course of the year. Three of the EP’s four featured tracks were given BBC Radio 1 support, including Huw Stephens’ premiere of the title track which also made Apple Music’s Best Of The Week playlist, whilst ‘Far Away’ a track we previously did a feature on was featured Spotify UK’s New Music Friday playlist.
‘The Absence’ presents us with Marsicans fantastic harmony-laden upbeat tropical sound that is raw and fresh yet polished in all the right places. Title track ‘Absence’ kicks off the EP and sprinkles with the four piece’s signature glowing infectious melody with lush harmonies and richly textured arrangements. Zealous guitar and vibrant synths keep this track uplifting while the soft spongy beat adds bounce and elasticity. The vocals are simple to start and become more dynamic as the track progresses. This track glows with bright vibes and is a gem glistening in the sun. ‘Arms of Another’ gives us a groovy springy sound. With an elevating high energy and catchy melody that will have you bopping and dancing from the first note. This track has an edgier sound with sharp distorted guitar that acts as the lime zest to your tropical cocktail. The rapid malleable beat maintains the tracks agile and spirited tempo. ‘Swimming’ is a blissful treasure with an ear worm melody and the perfect blend of luxurious harmonies and soaring vocals. The slick deluxe guitar riff is infectious and the glistening synths provide an elegant sweet quality throughout the track. With a slightly heavier sound towards the end, Marsicans confirms they can diversify their sound while still remaining bright and bubbly. ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is the final track on the EP. This was the first track that caught our attention back in July. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics teamed with a honed melody and slashing guitar. This track is a fantastic listen. The lively animated rhythm gives the song an upbeat indie pop feel.
Marsicans ‘The Absence’ is a collection of upbeat infectious indie pop perfectly blended with sugar coated luxurious melodies, soaring vocals with bursts of zealous guitar and flexible spirited rhythm. Marsicans take their tropical mouth watering hard edged sound to another infectiously delicious level keeping you wanting more.
Marsicans have embarked on a 17-date UK tour starting earlier this month.You can still catch them live at
01 Oct – Manchester, Aatma
04 Oct – Hull, The Polar Bear
08 Oct – Middlesbrough, Twisterella Festival
10 Oct – Sunderland, 7even
14 Oct – Banbury, Also Known As
19 Oct – Basingstoke, The Sanctuary Live
20 Oct – Brighton, Bleach
21 Oct – London, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
23 Oct – Matlock, Twenty Ten
28 Oct – Liverpool, The Magnet
04 Nov – Chester, Telford’s Warehouse
10 Nov – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
11 Nov – Glasgow, Old Hairdresser’s
12 Nov – Edinburgh, La Belle Angele
Stream ‘The Absence’ below

Marsicans ‘Far Away (Saudade)’

Leeds indie band Marsicans are James (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Oli (Guitar), Rob (Bass/Keys) and Cale (Drums) have released their new single ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ which is taken from their forthcoming EP ‘The Absence’ (to be released in September). The four piece regularly sell out gigs at home, tour up and down the UK and have graced bigger stages at festivals like Reading and Leeds and Live At Leeds. Along the way they’ve supported the likes of Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Pigeon Detectives and Embrace.
‘Far Away (Saudade)’ fleshes out Marsicans’ infectious soaring melodies with upbeat indie pop arrangements. The track is ablaze with striking addictive hooks and quirky lyrics all wrapped in sweet luxurious melodies, sprinkled with lush harmonies. The zealous slashing guitar riffs teamed with a strong spirited rhythm adds depth and a lively animated quality to the track.
‘Far Away (Saudade)’ is bright track bubbling with sunny vibes that will brighten your day, which is ironic as Saudade is the Portuguese word for ‘melancholy’.
Looking forward to hearing more from Marsicans.
You can catch Marsicans live at
Jul 30 Kendal Calling Penrith, United Kingdom
Oct 08 Multiple Venues Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
Stream ‘Far Away (Saudade)’ below