Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on October 29, 2025
Photo by Brett Bergen
Rising Chicago quintet Hot Like Mars proudly announce the October 29 release of their second live album, The Red Tapes, a dynamic showcase of the band’s breakout 2025 summer tour and the undeniable chemistry that has quickly made them one of the most talked-about young acts in the jam and funk scenes.
Recorded across multiple shows throughout the summer, from Harrisburg, PA to Charleston, SC to Denver, CO, The Red Tapes distills the very essence of Hot Like Mars: deep-pocket funk, soul-drenched vocals, and fearless improvisation. The performances crackle with spontaneity and groove, blending the rhythmic precision of classic funk with the exploratory spirit of modern jam bands.
“Every night this summer felt like something special,” says frontman/keys player Anthony Perry. “We wanted to capture that feeling, those moments that only happen once. This album is us at our most honest and in our element.”
Guitarist Pat Walsh adds, “Now that the year is coming to a close we wanted to look back and reflect on some of our favorite moments from tour and share the magic with all the people who weren’t able to see it live. There is something on here for everyone—it’s got hard-driving funk, long psychedelic jams, epic renditions of classic cover songs, and a whole lot of soul.”
“I’m super proud of this project. I think it shows some real growth since our last live album.” Added guitarist Frankie “Lightning” Minella, who mixed and mastered the album. “We’re taking more risks on stage and it’s been a lot of fun. I’m excited for people to hear what we’re capable of when we explore the music a little bit more in front of a live audience.”
Opening the album, “The Funk,” sets the tone for this project. The uptempo original bursts out of the gate with an infectious groove anchored by the rhythm section and Perry’s soulful vocals and keys before launching into a free-flowing jam that gives each member a moment to shine. Across its 23-minute journey, the band moves fluidly through pockets of funk, soul, and psychedelic rock, even weaving in a clever nod to Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” With blistering guitar work, pulsing bass, soul ripping vocals, and a euphoric dance-ready climax, the song embodies Hot Like Mars’ fearless approach to live improvisation and their mastery of genre bending performance.
The Red Tapes also features bold, reimagined takes onOutKast’s “Roses,” and Curtis Mayfield ’s “Move on Up.” These high-energy covers showcase the band’s ability to continually honor timeless music while infusing it with their own funk-forward energy and improvisational edge.
The Red Tapes
The Funk – Harrisburg, PA
Barbershop – Denver, CO
Sum’n Boutchu – Denver, CO
Down Down Down – Colorado Springs, CO
Good Vibrations – Yuba, WI
Situationship – Charleston, SC
Roses – Charleston, SC
My Angels – Greeley, CO
Hit It Hard – Greeley, CO
Don’t Get Comfy – Charleston, SC
Comfy Jam – Charleston, SC
Move on Up – Nashville, IN
Broken Pride – Durand, WI
Lotta Nothin’ – Durand, WI
Following a standout summer that included a high-energy performance at Northlands Music & Arts Festival, a multi-date Colorado run, and the band’s first-ever East Coast tour capped by a sold-out night at Charleston’s Pour House, The Red Tapes captures the sound of a band on the rise.
With 2025 cementing their status as one of the most exciting young live acts in the jam and funk world, Hot Like Mars now look ahead to an even bigger 2026. The Chicago-based quintet recently joined the talented roster at Universal Attractions Agency (UAA), marking the next step in their rapidly evolving career.
The Red Tapes is available everywhere on October 29.
Riding the wave of The Red Tapes and a breakout year on the road, Hot Like Mars are set to keep the groove going with a series of shows spread across the midwest. To purchase tickets, visit hotlikemars.com
HOT LIKE MARS – ON TOUR FALL 2025
10/31 – Moontown Brewing Company – Whitestown, IN
11/21 – The Venue – Aurora, IL
11/22 – The Coterie – Kokomo, IN
11/28 – Garcia’s Chicago – Chicago, IL
12/12 – Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI $
12/19 – Vivarium – Milwaukee, WI #
2026
1/30 – Cervantes’ Other Side – Denver, CO
$ Supporting The People Brothers Band
# Supporting STEEZ
Hot Like Mars is Anthony Perry (Vocals, Keys), Pat Walsh (Vocals, Guitar), “Frankie Lightning” Minella (Vocals, Guitar), Wes Julien (Vocals, Drums), and Lamontae Norwood (Vocals, Bass.)
