CIRCULAR HAZE by MAPLE MARS (Released 15 Jul 2003)
- Reviewed by KERRY CHICOINE on the 5 Sep 2003

Turn on, tune in, and take a trip with Maple Mars as they blast off Thru Inner Space with their sophomore release, 2003's "Circular Haze" (Kool Kat Musik). Perhaps the album title "Circular Haze" -- the latest release by LA-based melodic rockers Maple Mars -- is a none-too-veiled reference to adolescent, school-skipped afternoons spent listening to vinyl on headphones -- herbal attitude adjustment included -- and basking in the uniquely personal experience of a great rock-n-roll record. Or perhaps the title refers to the smog layer than often blankets Saugus, the hometown of Maple Mars' mastermind Rick Hromadka. In reality, Hromadka himself states: "Circular Haze is an album with a concept theme involving a journey one takes through the "haze" of life, only to come "full circle" back to where it all began." So there you have it.

The product of a man of many talents, "Circular Haze" is -- without a doubt -- a milestone in Hromadka's music career. Not only did he write all of the album's songs, he also produced, engineered (with assistance from Steve Berns and Pop God Robbie Rist), mixed and mastered the record, as well as providing the artwork.

Hromadka's former band, Double Naught Spies, was a vehicle for Rick's focused, concise powerpop vision. With Maple Mars, Rick finds himself in more of a classic rock mode, dealing less with powerpop's stock in trade -- brevity -- and leaning more towards experimental -- yet still highly memorable -- melodic rock songs. Progressive elements such as synthesizers, occasional odd meters, and appropriately "cosmic" lyrics, are coupled with incredibly hooky choruses and intricate, multi-layered vocal harmonies reminiscent of Abbey Road-era Beatles, vintage Queen, and, of course, the benchmark for all post-MTV boomers, Jellyfish. The end result is a melodically strong, rhythmically diverse rocketship of an album with a full payload of great, memorable songs.

Hromadka is in fine voice throughout the album, singing with heartfelt passion and delivering his sometimes cryptic lyrics with sincerity. All of the songs that make up "Circular Haze" feature excellent, well-defined melodies and harmonies -- often surprising with their unconventional progressions -- and Hromadka's guitar and keyboard skills are in fine form throughout. In fact, his keyboard work is the sonic benchmark that defines the overall vibe of the record. The bass playing -- courtesy of long-time LA music-man-behind-the-scenes Scott Halpern -- is incredibly melodic, intensely grooving, and as tasteful as anything the Three M's -- Manning (as in Chris), McCartney, and Moulding -- could ever hope to offer. Additional guitars are provided by Mike Parianos, often to delightfully surprising effect. Drummer Mike Fletcher rounds out the band, lending solid, heartbreakingly perfect rhythms for Hromadka's fluid, sometimes-complicated song structures.

The album flows in a cohesive manner, both musically and lyrically, with the overarching theme of returning home prevailing. From the space-rock, Prism-esque opener, the aptly titled "The Beginning", straight through to the massive album closer "Home" (featuring a retro-cool false ending), "Circular Haze" comes out swinging and doesn't let up, not even once. "Good Time For A Friend" -- written, supposedly, just after 9/11/01 -- is probably the catchiest song in the bunch, featuring one of the best melodies since The Merrymakers's "Saltwater Drinks". The excellent, reflectively mellow verses feature chiming acoustic guitars leading into a moody pre-chorus, which effectively sets up the larger-than-life chorus. Another standout track is "The Soft Carousel", which is simply the best acid-drenched Brian Wilson homage since the Wondermint's "Tracy Hide". Supposedly influenced by Wilson's own "Feel Flows", "The Soft Carousel" is a drop-dead gorgeous track featuring beautiful keyboard playing, sweeping synth washes, and multi-layered harmonies. A *way* cool tempo change leads into an upbeat, dreamy bridge, which slips like water back into the mellow verses -- my favorite moment on the album. Other great cuts include the piano-based, Ben Folds-influenced "Undiscovered" and the Tesla-esque arena rocker "Desolation Boulevard", among others.

With not a bad song in the bunch, "Circular Haze" is sure to be a hit with fans of Jellyfish, Cloud Eleven and the Wondermints, with songs that feature sophisticated, sometimes challenging arrangements and straight-ahead classic melodic rock elements -- with hooks, hooks and more hooks. While the album is certainly not an altogether original vision, it still stands three heads and five shoulders above most of the 'copycat' powerpop being perpetuated by today's lost-in-space Generation Kids.