MISSION: TO MARS*
Originally formed to make use of down time with their respective on going groups, Mission: To
Mars* features 5 of San Diego's best known musicians, including Mike Kamoo (Static Halo / The
Melanies) , Dylan Martinez (Static Halo / Broken Dial Radio) , Robert Boynton (If Tomorrow) ,
Hector Penalosa (Zero's / Flying Colour) and Bart Mendoza (The Shambles / Manual Scan). The
band doesn't rest on it's collective laurel's but instead offers up brand new tunes, in which everybody writes
and everybody sings. The group has already played out successfully with the likes of Superdrag and has
contributed to several European compilations. With a sound incorporating rock, melodic pop and even
elements of folk, as well as a few choice covers, Mission: To Mars* offers something for just about
everybody and is the perfect act to close out your Adams Ave. Street Fair Weekend. Look for their debut
release early next year.
Here's an article from The La Jolla Light Jan 2001-
Gregory Page has had to bow out due to time constraints, but the tongue in cheek
rock and roll spirit continues with "new" bassist Hector (Zero's/Flying Colour)
Penalosa…
Mission: To Mars* by F. Chester
Mission: To Mars*, a new local "super" group, will be making it's debut tonight at
Brick By Brick (1130 Buenos Ave. Bay Park 619 275 5483). The group features
members of some of San Diego's best known pop bands, including Mike Kamoo (Static
Halo) Dylan Martinez (Broken Dial Radio) Robert Boynton (If Tomorrow) Bart
Mendoza (The Shambles) as well as local folk legend Gregory Page.
I was lucky enough to be invited (along with a select group of reporters) to attend
a top secret rehearsal session, at an industrial park somewhere in the East County.
Arriving a bit before the hordes of reporters and photographers, I was fortunate enough to
catch Mike (drums) introducing a new song to the rest of the group. Right away I knew
this was going to be a different sort of group. The song I heard wasn't even titled, and
being early I was the only non band member who heard it, but it sounds like a winner,
and that's a phrase you rarely hear associated with a drummers music.
The room quickly filled up- at least the group's managers (they of the satin tour
jackets) had thoughtfully placed name tags, so we could see which media types were in
attendance. Somehow I doubt Rolling Stone will be doing a cover story, but they sure
enjoyed the buffett line. Dylan (lead) made a cursory introduction explaining that these
were all brand new songs, and the band blasted - yes blasted- it's way through the
opening number, a punk edged song called "Eucalyptus Trees". Dylan has a great voice.
Mike was up next singing- yes while playing drums!-a very cool pop tune , something
about "Strawberries", but the batteries on my hand held recorder ran low at this point, so
maybe he's saying "I Buried Paul" for all we know. Either way it's a great song. Gregory
(bass/guitar) stepped up to the mic after switching instruments with Bart (guitar/vocals)
and from the first note of "Playing Dead", I could see what was so special about this
union. Everybody sings, everybody writes. There is no front man. They are all taking the
best of their prospective groups (all still ongoing by the way), and creating something
unique. Best of all this group rocks harder than any of their individual groups.
Their ten song set was over way too quickly, though that's as it should be in the
world of 3 minute pop songs, with a riveting song from Bart "Comet's Tomorrow". Like I
said the batteries were very low, but in the introduction to this song I can make out the
words "Waitresses", "Ray Bradbury" and "NuNu's". The mind boggles.
Now I've been to press junkets before, so maybe it was the no host bar, but the
amassed throng actually wanted more. Amazingly the group came back on and after
swearing us to secrecy, played a set of covers just for fun, that brought smiles to most of
the faces of the assembled critics and friends. I can't give titles, but rest assured there was
a Beatle song (and not sung by Bart!), and they also did something by Guided By Voices
as well as some other big surprises. Nicely done.
Speaking with the band afterword, they told me they intended to play a handful of
gigs throughout the year and record an album next month. They actually have their entire
"carreer mapped out!. Couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of guys. At this point, I was
jostled by their security as "the champagne in the limo" was getting cold, and the band
escaped into the night. I could only think, this could be the start of something big.
As if that wasn't enough Mission: To Mars* is opening tonight (9 p.m. SHARP)
for Superdrag, one of the best punk pop bands around today. Recently returned to indie
status after a stint on WB, these guys are a killer live act. Their latest opus "In The Valley
Of The Dying Stars" stands amongst the best albums of the year.
No matter what, if you like your rock and roll with a pop edge, this is the show for
you. I'll be right up front
Contact Bart Mendoza
mendozab@juno.com
