The Earls Of Mars

The Earls Of Mars

The Earls Of Mars form in 2012 as a British band centred on multi-instrumentalist Dan Hardingham, who also records as Onethirtyeight. Hardingham brings the project together after deciding to return to playing in a band, and he contacts Harry Armstrong, whose other groups include End of Level Boss, Hangnail and Decomposed.

Line-up and formation

The initial line-up is completed by stand-up bass player Si McCarthy and drummer Dave Newman. The group first gathers at Earth Terminal Studios in Hampshire in October 2012 to record a set of ideas without a fixed plan for the final sound. The sessions produce the three-track EP The Skies Are Falling.

Recordings and label activity

The Skies Are Falling is self-released in 2012. The band then attract wider attention through their live debut supporting Boyd Rice / Non, followed by a UK tour with Orange Goblin. That tour leads to a recording contract with Candlelight Records. The agreement includes a clause excluding Mars from its territory wording, a reference that fits the group’s name.

Style and reception

The Earls Of Mars are associated with progressive rock, psychedelic rock, doom metal, psychedelic music and avant-garde metal. Their early recording gains them a strong reputation among listeners drawn to heavier and more experimental material.

Notable material

The group’s later collaboration is introduced through character-led song titles and imagery, including Cornelius Itchybah, Otto the Magnificent, The Swinger and The Ballad of Ben Ayre.