Hailing from Sunderland, multi-instrumentalist Martin Longstaff has really begun to build a credible reputation for himself. Drawing on the influences of legendary American folk singer Neil Young, he has gone on to support young sensation Jake Bugg as well as the slightly older, yet equally as worth a mention, Ben Howard. It’s quite amazing to see  Gigslutz favourites The Lake Poets mature from local gigs in the North East to branching out and producing this little gem of an EP.

First track, ‘Windowsill’ is a melancholic, melodic song with Martin’s captivating voice sweeping through it. Next, the EP’s namesake ‘Honest Hearts’ is a wholesome offering with a deeper base that’s fused with crisp tones and arises to a blossoming ending, before a return to the soulful acoustic beginning.

Keeping ‘Honest Hearts’ in mind, next track – ‘Dead Horses’ – takes The Poets ‘ music up a gear. It’s an extravagant attempt at showing The Lake Poets’ alternative side – a mixture of magical electronic chimes and deep droning bass all fused together by the sweet sound of Longstaff’s resounding voice.

Bringing the calmer side back to life, ‘Husks’ does exactly that; an extremely passionate tune in which the soft piano keys allow Longstaff’s spellbinding falsetto to float peacefully along its winding melodies.  The EP ends with the return of ‘Windowsill’ and can only be described as a whirlwind of English folk with blasts of electric guitars and light, airy beats that bind together to create enchanting twinkling melodies that leave you on the edge of your seat throughout.

Honest Hearts  is a truly rousing  debut offering, filled with heart-rending tales of love, loss and hardship that will tug at even the tightest of heart strings. Proof of Longstaff’s inspired talent and thought provoking song-writing skill that will leave you wanting more in an instant.

It’s out now on iTunes and your ears, and heart, deserve a listen.

 

Sam Lightle

@SamLightle