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Vince Clarke Review Tweet

Okay, this is not exactly a review, but to receive a tweet like this from the godfather of electropop, made me feel kind of chuffed! As I infer in my tweet to Vince – I got the idea to create an electropop version of “In The Hall of the Mountain King” from listening to Erasure’s version (CD only bonus track on the 1987 album – Circus). The Erasure version is a faithful rendition of the classical work as an electropop track. But this got me thinking… I wonder if I could create a vocal line around this melody within the context of an original song (?) So this was the genesis of Mountain King – and now with an endorsement from Vince, the process is beautifully complete!

Amazon Fan Review – Origami Rock!

The brilliant singer songwriter Craig Simmons aka Space March returns with his fourth offering. The music of Space March spins a gorgeous web of the best of 80s & 90s synth pop influences and yet in the process defines a signature sound all his own. Topping his previous effort “Monumental” is a monumental task indeed. To my ears, Space March sounds like the best moments of Duran Duran, ABC, Depeche Mode, OMD, Simple Minds, Sparks, Kraftwerk..etc, thrown together with the silky vocals of someone who sounds a lot like Stephen Duffy (Lilac Time/Kiss Me). Now, on the “Mountain King” he takes on the iconic “In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg. It is not a new idea, it has been explored by ELO, and others, but here Craig has added a great vocal track with his inspired original lyrics. It makes for a song that will play happily through your mind for days. The remainder of the CD is right there with the quality and originality that one has come to expect from this extremely talented multi-media artist. The songs “Someone Something Sunshine”, “Babylon” “Apple Of My Eye” & “You Are Electric” are particular stand outs for me. That said, there is simply not a weak track on the CD! The production is also something that needs to be mentioned, as it is just beautifully detailed in it’s sonic presence. As for the multi-media aspect, on “Monumental” Craig created a series of art prints for each song. Included in the Deluxe CD Edition of “Mountain King” is a package containing an origami folding mountain range! For my money there is no better synth rock/pop being produced and the “Mountain King” is definitely one of the top releases of the year! Do yourself a favor and get this immediately! While you are at it get “Monumental” as well! You will thank me in the morning!!

Note: Amazon and CD Baby sell the standard CD version – the CD wallet minus the Origami Pack. The Deluxe CD Edition of “Mountain King” mentioned in this review is available from spacemarch.com, Bandcamp, A Different Drum.

Rating: 5 stars
Publication: Amazon
Date: 6 March 2013
Reviewer: Gary Bauder
Web Site Review Page: Amazon Customer Review

iTunes Fan Review – Strongest Effort to Date

I’ve only recently became a fan of Space March after hearing ‘Space Cowboy’ and listening to his excellent free sampler. Since then I have been following this album’s progress through soundcloud.

Craig Simmons has been genuine and honest with his approach and very generous with his time and music.

But we don’t follow artists because they’re nice people do we? No, no. It’s still about the music and in this Space March have not failed us. Instead I believe he has given us his strongest album to date.

The album really sticks with you and has some addictive qualities. I’ve found myself craving a few the tracks on this album like ‘Someone Something Sunshine’, ‘Babylon’, ‘Apple of My Eye’ and ‘You Are Electric.

In short, if you like Release-era Pet Shop Boys, Notorious-era Duran Duran and a sprinkling of Erasure you should give this album a try. But don’t let those comparisons limit your expectations as this album is much more clever than that.

Rating: 5 stars
Publication: iTunes Canada
Date: 14 February 2013
Reviewer: Rick Roubos
Web Site Review Page: iTunes Customer Review