The Le Martells EP (Le Martells)
The Le Martells are a relatively unknown four piece scouring the streets of Southampton at present and embarking upon a fantastical career within the industry that is more commonly known as ‘music’.
This EP is a beautiful reminiscent slice of alternative pop- romanticised with a French tint and finally, all compiled together to create a track listing desirable to both men and women alike.
Opener ‘One of those Gimley’ is a perfect example; a story of young love integrated within teen angst and adolescent fear. Smart’s guiltless, naïve yet contrastingly mature and gruffly vocals will send a shiver down your spine for sure.
‘Bandit’ is a wonderful fusion of indie/ pop revealing a tale of torrid times that somehow finds itself so embedded with friendly riffs and melody that wallowing in contemplation is a big no no. As restricting as it sounds, it’s a good thing honest, because the band possess the ability to evoke emotion to an extent that need not prevent the listener from losing themselves in the music. Bandit is probably most likely to be the first single, given its more mainstream appeal and catchy chorus. Radio friendly is an understatement.
The next two tracks are actually potentially better than the two preceding; ‘Forgiven not forgotten’ is another example of Jamie Smart’s anguished vocals and apparent stolen soul. ‘Let her go’ challenges the task of “separating lust from love” and encapsulates the ambition, drive and aspirations the band have acquired in their short stint as an outfit. Perhaps the latter part of the EP is more of a grower with the beginning full frontal in its contagiousness, but after a few listens, you won’t be able to stop yourself singing along to any of the above; wishing yourself to find that beautiful breathtaking girl at the beach.
The EP has almost mastered a continual narrative, surpassing the expectations expected of most from an unsigned and moderately new act. As The Killers have done so previously with ‘Hot Fuss’ and Greenday pulled off with ‘American Idiot’ The Le Martells manage to stretch from first love to a broken heart in less than twenty-five minutes.
The bands live performance isn’t half bad either; friendly banter a common feature on stage - in particular from drummer Jon Cox and lead guitarist Nick Lach. Catch the band live around Southampton in the next coming months, supporting critically acclaimed artist Golden Silvers at Unit and performing at the much loved venue Hamptons.
It’s a brilliant debut that frantically requires expansion; fans’ no doubt hopeful an album is on the horizon. Check out the bands myspace; www.myspace.com/lemartells if it be the last thing you do. You heard it from me first remember.