Cosmonaut

The Red Plastic Buddha return with their third record - Songs for Mara, featuring eleven original new songs and a cover of Love's 'A House is Not a Motel' from the classic Forever Changes.

Songs for Mara is a darker vision that the Carnaby Street flower power of All Out Revolution, and is the work of a band in distress. Songwriter and frontman Timothy Ferguson was tasked with rebuilding the band several times in the interim between All Out Revolution and the completion of Songs for Mara. Long time stalwarts Todd Lazar (lead guitar) and Matt Walters (keyboards) left after recording Revolution, as did rhythm guitarist/ singer Pamela Richardson. Relying on friends in the Chicago music community, The Red Plastic Buddha was able to complete Songs for Mara and the result is nothing short of snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. With a new band in place, The Red Plastic Buddha are now touring in support of this new title.

The songs on Songs for Mara are thematically connected, taking an updated look at Prince Siddhartha's struggle to defeat the lord of the Underworld (Mara) on the path to enlightenment. Ferguson focused on the struggle of modern man in the same pursuit and the song themes touch on addiction, obsession and madness. Despite the turmoil within and around the band, Songs for Mara comes off as a cohesive and clean (though dark) collection of sing along psychedelia. Stand out tracks include She's an Alien, the 60s pop of Girl Like You and the haunting post punk vibe of Little White Pills.

Drawing from influences as diverse as Joy Division, Pere Ubu and Gang of Four, Songs for Mara is a fresh take on the psychedelic genre and one fans of The Red Plastic Buddha (and psychedelia in general) are sure to enjoy.

Timothy Ferguson - lead & backing vocals, bass guitar
David Kling - drums, percussion
Eric Ahlgren - keyboards
Aaron Barber - guitars
Greg Curvey - guitars, lead guitars, effects, sitar, tanpura
Todd Lazar - lead guitar
Brian Leach - guitar, lead guitar, additional keyboards
Pamela Richardson - acoustic and slide guitar, backing vocals
Lindsey Snyder - flute