Misha Kolesoski - A Year on Mars & A Year on Mercury
Songwriter and composer Misha Kolesoski started writing these songs shortly after his wife of 29 years sadly passed away. The album cover is a picture of her.
Beginning with an ambient track, "Vassals" introduces "A Year on Mars"
Influenced by a range of genres including electronic, lo-fi, and neo soul to name a few "Vassals" is a great introductory piece of art.
The 2nd track is "Enter A Plea" (Feat Niobe Morales"
While the track is situated around playful instrumentation, the subject matter behind the single is complex.
Lyrically analysing life strategies that we employ everyday, the Indie feel female vocals are hauntingly unique and contrasts massively with the background instrumentation which includes some synth feel, minor key electronic music.
One track that really caught my attention is "Sunrise Over Arsia" (Feat. Sketch27)
The haunting backing beat follows the feel of the rest of the album, however the lyrics and vocals really set this song apart.
The fast-rap vocals, talking about life trying to "move on", it could really be relatable to many people and the lyrics could be open to interpretation of listener's personal experiences.
I love how the song is named after the Martian volcano "Arsia Mons"
The action packed track ends with a fade, leading into the electronic ballad - "Hellas Cafe" (named after Hellas Planitia, on Mars)
The introduction of brass instruments shows Kolesoski's willingness to experiment with many different styles and genres.
It really is an impressive song, the dystopian alternative feel is original and cinematic.
Featuring Kali Maria, the 7th track "Way To The Hospital" is a song that adds fulfillness and spice to the album.
The love driven exploration of loss of communication and feeling alone is another lyrical style that listeners could relate to.
"She's in Transit" features Niobe Morales, the vocalist of the 2nd track "Enter A Plea"
The tranquil vocals, integrated with the electronic, but concert feel backing beat creates a hypnotic tone and vision within a nostalgic atmosphere of upbeat drums.
Introducing calming Guitar, "Memorial Soundtrack" creates a stunning, harmonic anthemic tone. Zoned with complex drum beats, adding to the sense of melancholy the album "A Year On Mars" already holds deep within.
Now we'll move on to another section of the moving double album. - "A Year On Mercury". Another one of Misha's aforementioned "2 Years In Hell"
"A Year In Mercury" is introduced with an instrumental song "On The Serfs"
Misha brings his experience of producing electronic music into this album, especially with the catchy, movie like soundtrack "Thy Hand Belinda"
It's hard to listen to this track without becoming hypnotized by the ever-powerful reverbful vocals of Niobe Morales.
My favourite track from "A Year On Mercury" is "Nighttime In Caral" featuring Sashii
The song is explosive, dynamic but most importantly meaningful with a sense of fun.
The production is crisp and fresh, Carrying the underlying instrumentation including piano accompaniment and titillating bongo feel drums.
The 10th track on the album is "It's OK If You're not Tired" (Feat Marnee)
- Beginning with manipulative vocal styles from Marnee, the song uses the voice with such an attitude.
Often strong voices are squandered by tepid songwriting, but Misha and Marnee have found the perfect formula.
Another cinematic landscape, "Sihtu Planita"
Named after the 565km across plain on the planet Mercury "Sihtu Planitia" shows the poetic nature of Misha and his music.
Another moving track on the album, "Borealis" is named after Borealis Planitia, another section of Mercurys surface.
I love the fact that the name of the album relates indirectly to the song names and meanings.
Take a listen to "A Year On Mercury" and "A Year On Mars" now!
