MARS_999 are back with another fragment of aural innovation. ‘OSTROV’ is exactly that: a piece that punches above its weight, a creative work that blurs the line between art performance and musical practice. Packed with hints of avant-garde allure, as well as meaningful cinematic storytelling, the record represents the Slovak outfit’s latest frontier, a bold metaphorical reflection on the dystopian state of our reality. As the listener might have guessed, ‘OSTROV’ is delivered in MARS_999’s mother tongue, something that adds a veil of mystery and ethereal flair to an already special track.
From a production standpoint, ‘OSTROV’ flourishes on a bed of gloomy electronica and hip-hop influences, with the Slovak group’s evocative, lamentous vocals providing a hypnotic, infectious hook, a timeless and otherworldly chant that aids a ton of introspection and nostalgic memories. Rohinn Brown is the talented producer behind the record, with mastering by Randy Merrill. The accompanying video, a central component of MARS_999’s holistic artistry, is directed by Doctorswife, and features choreography by young Slovak dancer Martina Drozolová.
As established, ‘OSTROV’ is part of a bigger musical ecosystem, set to consolidate into an upcoming album, ‘EUPHONIA’. Delving deeper into the nuanced ethical concept that propels the forthcoming album, MARS_999 explain: “EUPHONIA exists outside all streaming platforms, available only as vinyl and paid download, emphasising intention, physicality and slow listening. The album is built as a conceptual whole, with each track tied to a visual identity, from surreal AI-generated pieces to handcrafted analogue film.”
Recommended! Discover ‘OSTROV’ now: