Big Stir Records invites you to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of LA pop-psych titans MAPLE MARS with an all-new two-track single from the band: “Couldn't Have Been A Better Time” and “Tidal Wave”, a one-two punch demonstrating both the power and the pop that have made them longtime favorites onstage and on record. The 25th Anniversary Double Single is out August 22 on all digital platforms worldwide and is up for pre-order and pre-save now:

https://orcd.co/maplemars25

It seems impossible that it's been a quarter of a century since MAPLE MARS rose from the ashes of frontman RICK HROMADKA's beloved '90s outfit Double Naught Spies, and the new songs presented here are as full of youthful rock and roll energy as ever. But it's a reality worth celebrating, and the current lineup of the band – HROMADKA on vocals and guitar, STEVE BERNS on guitar and vocals, longtime drummer RON PAK and returning bassist JEFF LEGORE – do so in their customary bracing rock style. Legendary as a fiery and mesmerizing live act as well as for the five acclaimed albums they've released, including their most recent LP (and first for Big Stir Records) SOMEONE'S GOT TO LISTEN, they're set to show off both sides of their appeal for the occasion, with a live gig in LA scheduled for the day after this single's release (with their BSR labelmate Nelson Bragg opening the show).

The songs presented here display the band at the absolute top of their game, too. The A-side “Couldn't Have Been A Better Time” is a pure guitar-pop delight, with soaring hooks and a sense of palpable joy permeating the performance. The title telegraphs a look back at the band's history, but there's more going on here, however coy Hromadka may be about it. “I gave away too much personal info about some of the songs on the last Maple Mars album,” he says of the personal journey detailed in music on SOMEONE'S GOT TO LISTEN. “Gonna keep this one a secret. Although listeners can probably figure out that it's about someone special in my life.” The song simply radiates warmth, and the blend of trippy touches and Beach Boys-like glee are pure Maple Mars.

The B-side “Tidal Wave” is something else, diving “into the dark that you took to be sunshine,” as the lyrics have it. It's a riff-powered example of the melodic psych rock at which MAPLE MARS excels, framed in epic imagery and prog-adjacent production touches, and one can only imagine how this arena-ready rocker with its immediately compelling chorus will hit when the band debuts it as part of their live set. Both songs show off the remarkable guitar chemistry between Steve Berns and Rick, and Ron Pak's powerhouse drumming is a marvel as always. Bassist JEFF LEGORE returns to the fold, his sophisticated but driving parts gelling instantly with Pak's drums to propel both tunes to the next level.

Between the new single and the band's return to the stage, there's more to celebrate than just the Silver Anniversary of the band: MAPLE MARS clearly has more to offer, and they've never sounded better. We'll be thrilled to bring it to you.