I'm writing to you in a state of euphoric bliss. Why? Because one of my favorite band's new album is streaming on NPR right now, Thursday, June 23rd. Because of this, I decided to move from the world of film to the realm of music and review the new album by Martha, "Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart". Let's hope no one in this coffee shop notices me dancing in my seat, because this album is a rainbow explosion of fun.
Martha is a British pop-punk band from Pity Me (yeah, how many pop-punk bands out there would kill to be from a village called "Pity Me") in Durham. They're a group of misfits who sing about growing up, anarchy, love, and just about every emotion and experience that humans can feel and be a part of.
A brief history of my relationship with this band: in the summer of 2014 I saw Martha at a small house show in Pittsburgh. I'd never heard of them before, but was blown away by their poppy riffs and energetic performance, even in a venue as small as a living room. After they played, I struck up a conversation with guitarist JC Cairns, who was a blast to talk to. We talked about the difference between shows in England and America, and how they enjoyed it here so far. Looking back, I love the fact that I had a conversation with a member of one of my favorite bands (that's the beauty of small shows folks). So then I listened to their debut album "Courting Strong". I loved it. It was a chronicle of growing up and just dealing with life. This was my summer going into college, so that album couldn't have come at a better time.
The album doesn't officially release for another week or so, but thanks to NPR, we get an early listen, so let's get into it.
The album opens with "Christine", a short and fast paced tribute to a lost friend. It begins with feedback from the guitars, which grows louder and louder until finally the whole band kicks in, strumming and playing the same rhythm. It's a great way to show that the band is back, everyone is playing. They're all in on it. "Chekov's Hangnail" is next, where the band sings to the beauty of failure, repeating the contagious anthem "It might seem that we lost the battle but if no one wins the war then why keep score?". "Precarious (Supermarket Song)" comes third, and the band nods to those who struggle to make art and live life while still finding a way to pay the bills. "Do Whatever" and "Goldman's Detective Agency" are quintessential bouncy Martha tunes, with those high vocals that don't quite strain the vocal chords, but find that perfect sweet spot to show emotion at such a high octave.
"The Awkward Ones" is the fight song for the misfits, whom Martha often identifies with, as the band sings together "We were the ones who always felt awkward, socially cornered...". "Ice Cream and Sunscreen" is the perfect breather before the album's rocking finish, as "Legless and Brandon" and "Curly and Raquel" bring us back up to the excitement and energy we felt at the beginning of the album. "Do Nothing" brings us to the second to last song, with seven minutes of Martha reminding us that they can jam, and keep you interested for as long as they play. "St Paul's (Westerberg Comprehensive)" ends the journey with a short record of a gay relationship at a Christian school. It's short, beautiful, and leaves you thinking, "Damn...".
Martha tells stories like no one else. They're real narratives about these kids from Durham who aren't kids anymore. "Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart" is the perfect follow up to "Courting Strong". While "Courting Strong" was about growing up, "Blisters" is about what comes after that, and how being an adult is something that everyone experiences differently, depending on how you get there.
"Blisters On The Pit Of My Heart" officially releases on July 8th.
