MICK MARS – “Loyal to the Lie” (2023) single
Mick Mars is finally out with his first solo track since 1994’s “Bittersuite” and it’s a banger.
Too much of a banger?
In this reviewer’s opinion, the song is recorded for more modern tastes. Chunky, downtuned guitars and distorted, unremarkable lead vocals (by Jacob Bunton) characterize this fast, heavy smoker. Everything sounds very processed in a modern way, for punch and impact. Someone more in tune with this sound would rate it higher.
The best part of the song is, expectedly, the guitar solo, but it’s way too short.
Another reviewer may think differently, but “Loyal to the Lie” lacks a few key ingredients: a distinctive singer, and memorable hooks.
Mick shouldn’t have to repeat his past with his former band, but a memorable song would have been nice. Yes, it’s heavy. But heavy only goes so far.
Mick’s album The Other Side of Mars will be out next year, February 23 2024.
2/5 stars
Lineup:
Mick Mars – guitars/bass
Paul Taylor – keyboards
Jacob Bunton – vocals
Ray Luzier – drums
mikeladano.com 
I haven’t listened to it yet, so I can’t comment, but get what you are saying.
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Have a listen. Jompa didn’t mind the modern edge.
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I didn’t really like it. The drum sound is not my cup of tea. It is too harsh and doesn’t sound real.
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It’s EVERY DRUM SOUND now! And I don’t like it. I like a drum to sound the way it sounds when you hit it with a stick.
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I made sure to listen to the song and form my own opinion before reading your review, and as it turns out: we’re actually on the very same page.
Way too modern-sounding for my liking. My immediate thought was “Typical modern radio rock that’ll be forgotten about within a year.”. The guitars were good, nice and heavy, but I didn’t care for the vocals as much, especially that distorted vocal effect they added at a few parts. Hated that!
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Opinions seem to be split. Jonathan and Chad from the Palace of Madness like it. But, they also liked KFD by WASP, so that’s the point of view they come from. I did not like KFD.
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I like seeing its Ray Luzier on drums. KFD is a disaster of an album.
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I like Ray, but you be the judge. I don’t like this sound. I prefer a more organic sound, more live what a snare drum sounds like when you hit it in your garage!
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I might be the dissenting one here. I don’t think the song is that bad. It’s not great but it’s not terrible. Mick still shows that he didn’t deserve me calling him the worst guitarist in metal all those years ago.
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Comments on Facebook have been quite positive, so it is not dissension! Marcelo on Facebook told me the album is much better – he just interviewed Mick a couple days ago.
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I’ll check those out.
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As far a modern rock goes, I think it is OK. It might be the best thing he has ever done, lol
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Oof. Ouch.
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Well… ok… maybe Looks That Kill is better.
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Ok whew. Yes Looks that Kill us better I agree lol.
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But that’s about it, lol
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Ok that’s fair.
Admittedly, Motley is… well… how to be kind about this? They’re not the greatest players and I’ll stop at that. Lol.
Friggin Nikki…
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