"I spent too much of my time trying to reach perfection and the years, they gave me back a shellacking." - from “Embracing Imperfection.” This line from the title track sums up the themes explored by MARS on their latest release, “Embracing Imperfection.” From surviving in a tough economy and being able to take a few punches, to love and its flipside - suburban infidelity and love that never fully blossoms - these songs, drawn from personal experiences, reflect the roller coaster ride that is life in today’s world. "When you lie there awake, I bet I know what you're thinking I took a dream vacation on a ship that keeps sinking.” -from “Beyond Recognition” “Embracing Imperfection,” MARS’ first full-length CD, shows the band coming into its own with a broader, richer sound. “We wanted to experiment and not feel pressured with time, so we built a primitive studio in our rehearsal space with the intention of tracking it there” says front-man and principal songwriter, Chris Gorham. It didn’t work out that way. By January 2009 MARS found themselves doing sessions at Galaxy Park Studios, owned by veteran producer Richard Marr. Over many months, the record evolved into an exploration of their musical influences. Clocking in a bit under 40 minutes, the 13 tracks range from Chris’ bare-bones acoustic ballad “Working the Line,” to ripping rockers “It’s Over Now,” which pays unapologetic homage to 60’s and 70’s classic hard rock, as well as “Essentially You” – a trip of a decidedly psychedelic vein. Lead guitarist Ammo delivers sure-footed solos to the southern-rock influenced “Embracing Imperfection,” and together with bassist Devin Brown, they handle vintage harmonies that would make The Kinks proud. Joining MARS at Galaxy Park were ace keyboard player Jim Sullivan (The Peacheaters) whose classic New Orleans blues piano completes the Brit-Invasion vibe of “Queen Contrary.” Sara Grady’s (Random Chants) soulful harmonies lift up the title track, and violinist Chloe Brown makes her debut to the studio scene.