Light Years
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
A Canadian troubadour and highly literate artist who has been quite busy since 2012, Mark Martyre has released 6 albums as well as publishing his poetry, and this new record continues his strong storytelling ability and gritty folk sounds with a timeless, soothing delivery.
“Wait” starts the listen with Martyre’s gravelly vocals and warm acoustic strumming on a bare but impressive opener, and “College Kids” follows with a fuller sound of elegant and folk inspired songwriting.
Even though there’s just 8 songs present, each one leaves an indelible impression, including the darker “All That Remains”, where aching strings add much to the setting, while the cautious “The Last Song” also recruits strings in the lush album highlight.
Near the end, “Down That Country Road” offers a reflective delivery that’s both raw and sophisticated, and '“Carried Through The Night” ends the listen soft and agile, as Martyre’s pipes get less raspy and are accompanied by female vocals on a cathartic exit.
Though he may be a bit obscure south of his home country at the moment, Mark Martyre knows his way around a carefully penned tune, and every piece of Light Years proves that this is an underappreciated talent.
Travels well with: Tom Waits- Mule Variations; Chuck Ragan- Till Midnight