Here’s another great artist we found over on Wavlake from Lancashire, UK. Joe Martin has made made a few trips over here to the States to hone his skills, and if he’s going for the laid back Americana feel with great stories, I’d say he’s doing a solid job.

“Empty Passenger Seat” is the lead track off a 12-song record he released this year. Track starts in E with a simple acoustic strum and some nice fades in my left speaker from his lead player. Nice build up when the band comes in on the second half of the first, with a good tom beat, healthy analog tones and solid distortion. Mix is tight and balanced with a good bit of grease on it - just enough.

Lyrically, he’s really calling up some Laurel Canyon vibes - part Tom Petty, part CS&N, part Beach Boys. Really like the way he’s weaving the tale and being poetic - not chopping everything into sharp, syllabic sentences like a pop song would. Vocally, he’s got a warm delivery and good control of his tenor and alto mix.

As the song builds and he carries us into the second verse and chorus, he does a great job of building up the track with some nice backgrounds and additional instrumentation. Love how he goes into the higher register for this second chorus, and the subtle change in chords before a very tasty slide solo. He rounds it out with a solid third chorus containing some nice hits and a surprise ending. This is a well-rounded track that sets the mode for a solid record.

“High Gravity” is great choice for a second song - it’s up-tempo from the lead of track, and in a higher key. Nice choice there. Love that turn of chords before the chorus - smart writing there. “Way I Need You” is another solid track that could easily be picked up in sync, or by an older country artist for a different take. Love the way the band helps build the chorus on this one, and whomever is playing slide on his record deserves a beer - nice tone and control. “Amelia” is a lovely cool down track that fits right in with Chris Stapleton and the better side of Nashville.

This is an impressive debut from an artist you should definitely keep on your list. In an age where too many artists are only releasing singles, Joe made the wise decision to release a full-show’s worth of material, setting him up for great shows and more possibilities. Thankfully, his writing holds up. It would be great to see him play these songs here in Nashville, and then bust out a thick British accent between songs. ;) Good work, Joe!

Check it out on Wavlake and send Joe some Sats!

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Like & Follow Joe here:

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