Dom Martin – Buried in the Hail
11 tracks – 40 minutes
In the heart of Belfast, Ireland, where the blues whisper through the city streets, emerges Dom Martin, a guitarist whose prowess has catapulted him into the limelight of the UK blues scene. With his fourth album, "Buried in the Hail," released under Forty Below Records, Martin solidifies his status as a force to be reckoned with, blending soulful vocals and masterful guitar work that have garnered him acclaim since his debut in 2019.
Martin's journey into the blues echelons began with his inaugural release in 2019, earning him the title of Best Solo/Acoustic act at the European Blues Awards. The momentum continued, and by 2022, he found himself representing the UK at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, securing the runner-up position in the finals. His 2022 album, "A Savage Life," brought home five nominations at the UK Blues Awards, clinching titles such as Blues Instrumentalist of the Year and Acoustic Blues Act of the Year. To top it off, he shared the stage with Eric Gales during the 2022 UK tour.
Drawing comparisons to legends like Rory Gallagher, John Martyn, and Van Morrison, Dom Martin showcases his versatility on "Buried in the Hail." Accompanied by the talented Ben Graham on bass and double bass and Jonny McIlroy on drums, Martin unveils a power trio that delivers a sonic punch throughout the album's 11 tracks, clocking in at a concise 40 minutes.
The album's opening instrumental, "Hello in There," introduces listeners to Martin's signature guitar style, setting a tranquil mood with children's laughter in the background. As "Daylight I Will Find" kicks in, Martin's warm vocals, coupled with McIlroy's pulsating drums, convey a message beyond mere financial pursuits. The acoustic gem "Government" explores global politics with a poignant simplicity that resonates without protest.
"Belfast Blues" provides a gritty glimpse into Martin's past, a life marked by turbulence and resilience. The lone cover, Willie Nelson's "Crazy," undergoes a remarkable transformation, as Martin infuses it with Tom Waits-esque vocals and a searing electric guitar, creating a rendition that stands on its own.
The album delves deeper into Martin's emotional landscape with tracks like "Unhinged," "The Fall," and the heartfelt title track, "Buried in the Hail." Each song unveils layers of sonic and lyrical complexity, showcasing Martin's prowess as both a guitarist and a storyteller.
In "Lefty 2 Guns," Martin weaves a tale of a relentless hitman with a menacing guitar riff that mirrors the narrative's intensity. The album concludes with "Laid to Rest," a short acoustic instrumental that serves as a poignant epilogue to the preceding tales of turbulence and introspection.
"Buried in the Hail" isn't merely an album; it's a journey through Martin's soul, a tapestry of blues that demands more than a casual listen. The album cover provides a visual key to the emotional depth within, urging listeners to explore the nuances hidden in the music and lyrics upon repeated listens. Dom Martin's latest offering isn't background music—it's a captivating experience that commands your undivided attention.
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