Mars

Former Flying Nun artist Stephen McIntyre formed Mars after returning to New Zealand from Japan, where he made a small fortune busking in Tokyo’s crowded subway stations.

Originally from Christchurch, one can hear in his work the same influences that have inspired other South Island bands down the years: it’s all about textures. No pointless strumming here; songs abound with vocal harmonies, countermelodies and interweaving guitar parts, creating a rich series of layers which support sincere lyrics about life and love.