David Bowie once pitched the question ‘is there life on Mars?’ Well? Is there life on the red planet? I suppose no one really knows but Suncharm’s new single “Red Dust” reflects on their desire to be a Mars Rover so I would like to believe that this band live on Mars or at least emanate from there! Is Sheffield on Mars? This is their first single since 1991 and things could have been so very different had social media existed back then. Back in 1993 Slumberland Records expressed a desire to release something by the Suncharms, so the band sent a DAT Tape (remember those kids?) to the US record label in a decorated padded envelope. Slumberland never replied so the band assumed that they just weren’t into the charming Suncharms. The band got back together on the back of a retrospective compilation CD on Cloudberry Records in 2016. Amazingly Slumberland picked up on this and contacted the band via FaceBook to explain that they never in fact received the DAT Tape and asked for new songs. The band duly obliged and “Red Dust” is one of those songs that was initially available on seven inch single. I reckon I might just have to get my hands on a copy!
“Red Dust” is nearly six minutes of sublime blissed-out indie dreamgaze reminiscent of Ride, the Inspiral Carpets (without the organ) and for me even the more chilled elements of the Kinks. The subject matter of the Red Planet is fascinating as well. This song relaxes me and makes me happy, do you want or need much more from a song? I can picture myself lounging in the sun drinking a cold beer with this tune as the soundtrack. I am looking forward to seeing the Suncharms playing live soon. Leave your duster in the cupboard but get some “Red Dust” in your life!
With Just A Hint Of Mayhem 
[…] “Monster Club” is another stupendous and beautifully chilled tune following hot on the heels of “Red Dust” from late last year. There is a hint of Richard Hawley and possibly Edwyn Collins in the vocals and […]
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