Here is an artist that we have great pleasure in making you discover or rediscover! Martina Armour, who was presented to you on IMC in February 2020, returns with a full 6-track EP. I would even say a breathtaking EP.

Seeing our artists grow has always given us a lot of satisfaction and wonder. It's a bit like watching your own children evolve, make their own discoveries, and learn from their mistakes. And I can tell you that there was no mistake in Martina's journey. In any case, no visible error. Because everyone knows that the career of an independent artist is strewn with pitfalls. She has since been able to surround herself with the right people, who gave the sound and meaning to her music, to help her grow even more.

The EP opens with the wonderful single "Knife", which we introduced you to last year. I've always loved this song because it's thanks to this one that I got to discover Martina. And this track is just timeless. Very cinematic with percussion and violins worthy of a great movie finale scene, "Knife" is a perfect opener.

The second song, "Trouble", is the artist's debut single, released almost two years ago, but still gives us the same "wow" effect. "Say you don't want me, 'cause if you do, we are in trouble". Always with writing full of emotions, where the artist is not afraid to show her weaknesses: "With you, I have no self-control". This song is full of melancholy where fears rub shoulders with doubts in a very melancholy atmosphere. Once again, the elements blend together wonderfully (you know we love the piano + acoustic guitar combo). With just clappings and a magnificent piano on the bridge, the song ends in a slightly more folk atmosphere. And we love this courageous exploration of different musical universes.

"Everything" is a new song, where the artist reveals all her feelings for the recipient of the message. And the message is very clear: "I want to be everything, everything to you". I don't know if it worked, but no one can resist such pretty words. We appreciated the timidity of the lyrics, which contrasts with the luminosity of the melody, carried by an effective bass line. Special mention for the bridge, which is always a delicate part to build for the artists. Martina managed the exercise without any difficulty, with a bridge that perfectly fits into the whole vibe.

The exploration of her EP and her universe continues with "On The Run", which Martina released as a single on September 18th, 2020. A year later, the song still seduces us with its effective chorus and unforgettable lines, such as "If I try to run, would you make me stay?" Asking for comfort and support, the artist wonders if she will get in return all the support she is able to give. And I recognize there, the power of words and of the piano, as I could appreciate it fifteen years ago with artists like the Australian Delta Goodrem or the Canadian Sarah McLachlan. If you too are not sure where to go, and especially not sure if you will have to make your way alone or accompanied, this song is bound to speak to you.

"Slowly Lifting" is the second unreleased song in this bunch of little gems. The beauty of the discreet vocal harmonies before the first-minute mark is absolutely remarkable. The atmosphere is calm, and the pace is slow, allowing the divinely well-written lyrics to be played more effectively. During the second verse, I had the feeling that time had stood still. As if we could finally afford to take a break, and decipher Martina's magnificent words one by one. Each word resonates, like an emotional hammer trying to hit hard but without hurting. The original side of this song is hidden in the fact that its structure is quite atypical. No final explosion but a beautiful slow and gradual ascent.

Finally, the EP ends with "Storms", the singer's latest single from the L.A.-based artist, which is a cover of Fleetwood Mac. The original, released in 1979, only features an acoustic guitar and a voice. Which is efficient enough to create an intimate atmosphere. But Martina pulled off a feat. Indeed, at IMC, we are not big fans of covers, except when it's done well, and only when the artists manage to completely transform the song to make it their own. Martina amazed us with this unique cover, on which she knew how to bring her personal touch, and where the production was worked on in the smallest detail. We particularly appreciate the quality of the work that has been done on the voice to highlight it and the perceptible softness of the electric guitar. The song is built up little by little, and gains in intensity minute after minute. The guitar solo is divine, and the backing vocals on the final part make it an unmissable cover. Yes, being an indie musician today isn't all about writing masterpieces, although Martina does it very well. It also consists in restoring the radiance and beauty of forgotten songs to give them a second life. And it's even better when the original artist approves the new version, as Martina told us: "this song landed in the lap of Mick Fleetwood himself, who really loved our rendition and sent me a video with the sweetest message and approval!" Congrats on this successful bet!

Overall, this EP can be listened to like reading a book. At a time when everything goes very quickly and nobody takes the time to dwell on long formats, Martina definitely made the right choice to release this EP, which treats us with 26 minutes of musical happiness. The whole is very coherent and logical, all in melancholy and softness, with all the poetry and delicacy that Martina is capable of consistently offering. Her hard work paid off. The artist told us that she saw this EP as the closing of a two-year chapter of her life. She met 3 producers, had the opportunity to record at The Village Recording studio, and was able to introduce herself to production. She is betting a lot on this wonderful EP and she is right: "My hope is that these tracks will keep the listeners' company, make them feel seen and less alone. Life is so crazy, anything can happen at any moment and we can find so much comfort in each other, and connecting through music is my way to do that."

Martina is growing, Martina is learning, and Martina shines with her talent and courage. There is no doubt that such an EP will open other doors for it.

"Storms" has been added to our "Fresh Indie" Spotify playlist, make sure you follow this playlist below to discover incredible new music every day.

Written by Niko.

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