Reviewed by Trevor Kirk

Martin has been part of the UK music scene now for a good few years, with six albums and numerous TV, radio and concert appearances to his credit. He’s also been part of a recent UK tour with Martyn Joseph and Stuart Henderson, as a part of Christian Aid’s work alongside the poor. I can’t have been listening to the right CDs, watching the right TV shows or going to the right gigs, because this is, as far as I can recall, the first time I’ve heard any of his work, and I’m mightily impressed. The strong piano and incisive harmonica backing the uncompromising lyrics of the opener "Cold Light Of Day" sets the tone; this is music that contains no lyrical platitudes or musical banalities; rather, it’s stuffed full of stark, challenging and powerful reality, which is no surprise, since most of it was written after (and inspired by) a recent trip to West Africa. This will make you think; it might even make you do something, assuming that you’re prepared to expose yourself to its message. Go on, I dare you…

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.