Mar Project
Stepping Stone

"Hiroshi Kono and Roger Fife work magic on the new MAR PROJECT release STEPPING STONE. “ - Peter Magnotta

Mar Project have been writing and recording music since 2001. During their eight years together, they’ve been able to work in a variety of formats alongside other musicians as well as composing for film and theater. Guitarist and vocalist Hiroshi Kono originally founded the group with the intention of creating straightforward yet beautiful music using only a nylon guitar and multi-lingual vocals. Since then, Kono has enlisted the help of producer Roger Fife (Tricky, Fatboy Slim, Cindy Lauper, Antony and the Johnsons), allowing for the inclusion of more elaborate instrumentation and production techniques. In this incarnation they have released two albums that include songs performed in three languages and in many different genres. Now with their latest release, Stepping Stone, Mar Project has once again unified their skills to create an exciting and dynamic record.

The unique sound of Stepping Stone makes it immediately stand out from the crowd. The overall mood is decidedly dreamlike, with shimmery vocals and surreal pads. Songs like “Beacon” or “The Four Seasons” mix a bossa-pop feel with an ethereal vibe. “Again” and “Vanishing in the Light” blend downtempo beats and simple droning vocals reminiscent of BECK. The band even gets back to basics while maintaining the overall mood with the appropriately titled “21st Century Blues.” But despite the seemingly complex arrangements, there’s an underlying simplicity to the melodies and lyrics that seems to fit with the original spirit of the project.

The cohesive nature of the record comes as a result of the creative work of the members of Mar Project. Fife programs an intricate web of synthetic and organic sounds into a unified and absorbing bed of laidback grooves and ambient soundscapes. He also adds his touch by playing guitar, bass and keys. Over the top of this, Kono’s intricate classical guitar picking and airy vocals are the glue that holds together the assorted range of genres heard throughout the album. With Stepping Stone, Mar Project have assembled a distinct and enjoyable collection of music that is a testament to their broad portfolio and many talents.