Monsters From Mars
Encyclopedia
Monsters from Mars is an underground rock band from California, formed in 2001. Originally an instrumental surf rock trio, the band has since grown in size and influences. Stylistically, the band's current sound incorporates elements of surf rock, garage rock, horror, progressive rock, new wave, experimental electronic music, punk rock, and new trends in underground music. Sonically, the band's sound comes from its heavy use of spring reverb, tremolo-picked guitar leads, tube equipment, Farfisa organ, synthesizers, baritone guitar, theremin
, tape delay effects, and occasional saxophone and prog rock drum solo. The band's live show is distinguished by its high energy performances, use of theatrics, fog and colored light ambiance, and proclivity for inducing dancing among audience members.
The band is associated with the DIY ethic
—self-releasing homemade albums, home recording all their music, creating and working on some of their own gear, and playing venues that cater to independent music.
Monsters from Mars is perhaps best known for its instrumental rendition of the Britney Spears hit, Toxic
. Also notable are its connections to the character, Bob Stencil
.
Theremin
The theremin , originally known as the aetherphone/etherophone, thereminophone or termenvox/thereminvox is an early electronic musical instrument controlled without discernible physical contact from the player. It is named after its Russian inventor, Professor Léon Theremin, who patented the device...
, tape delay effects, and occasional saxophone and prog rock drum solo. The band's live show is distinguished by its high energy performances, use of theatrics, fog and colored light ambiance, and proclivity for inducing dancing among audience members.
The band is associated with the DIY ethic
DIY ethic
The DIY ethic refers to the ethic of self-sufficiency through completing tasks oneself as opposed to having others who are more experienced or able complete them for one's behalf. It promotes the idea that an ordinary person can learn to do more than he or she thought was possible...
—self-releasing homemade albums, home recording all their music, creating and working on some of their own gear, and playing venues that cater to independent music.
Monsters from Mars is perhaps best known for its instrumental rendition of the Britney Spears hit, Toxic
Toxic (song)
"Toxic" is a song by American recording artist Britney Spears, co-written and produced by Bloodshy & Avant, from her fourth album, In the Zone. It was released on January 12, 2004, by Jive Records as the second single from the album. After trying to choose between " Boom Boom" and "Outrageous" to...
. Also notable are its connections to the character, Bob Stencil
Bob Stencil
Bob Stencil is a fictional ex-Braniff Airlines pilot best known for humorous coverage and interviews at the Comic Con International convention, asking questions of stars such as Seth Rogen, etc...
.
Full-Lengths
- Play Some Originals and Some Surf Guitar Classics and Obscurities (Tired Machine, 2002)
- 2004: A Space Odyssey (Tired Machine, 2004)