Martin Longstaff, also known as The Lake Poets, debuts his EP which brings about a haunting yet beautiful vibe…
Introducing us into the EP is ‘Windowsill’ drawing us in with a gentle guitar riff and a simple ascending chord on the bass. As the chorus starts, the track builds with the inclusion of a violin and drops again with an electric guitar to the next verse. With the slight reverb on Martin’s vocals, it brings out the emotion to whoever he is directing this song toward.
‘Honest Hearts’ comes as the lead track off the EP, having secured plays on XFM and Amazing Road, and seems to be the brightest and upbeat song of the EP. Cheerful finger-picking of an acoustic guitar with a light drum beat, ending with an instrumental and a subtle harmonic, leaves you wishing the track was longer.
The third track ‘Dead Horses’, has the vibes of Dallas Green (City and Colour), with a clear bass line and supporting riffs on the electric guitar. With the stand out lyrics of the song “how do you fix a lost and broken lonely life?” resonating throughout, it shows the darker side of the EP, before then building up to a heavier and strong instrumental ending.
‘Husks’ is brought in by Martin’s vocals and light piano chords, with sounds of the wind, there is a real rawness about it. The shortest track on the record, yet the most calming.
The final track ‘Windowsill (Reprise)’ simply repeats the lyrics “you’ve got your fears and your doubts” leaving an eerie atmosphere at the end of the EP.
Overall, the EP is a sombre and cathartic listen, however this does not take away from the vocal and musical talents shown by Martin.
Check out the official video for “Honest Hearts” below: