A Los Angeles based singer-songwriter, Martina Armour has a talent for writing catching haunting melodies backed by lyrics that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. Bridging the gap between pop vibrancy and folk aesthetic, her work takes hold with visceral rock energy and authentic Scandinavian melancholy, bringing together a range of diverse influences and making them her own. With passionate words that can easily connect with listeners from all walks of life, there has been a huge level of anticipation surrounding the release of her debut single, and now that’s here, it’s time to put it to the test.
Starting with an almost instant emotional intimacy, the first shades of ‘Trouble’ that come into view are Martina’s vocals, fading in from the silence with a delicate ethereal glow and absolutely stunning form. Compassionate and filled with a raw emotional depth, they capture your attention instantly, and it takes a few moments to get over that initial splendour and notice the soft, melodic strum of an acoustic guitar that has risen to meet them. Musically, ‘Trouble’ is a stripped back folk-centred piece that’s built of delicate guitar strings, a subtle building wave of percussion, and a deep, engrained melody that flows effortlessly throughout the composition, but even in the crescendo, it’s all about Martina’s vocals and their gorgeous, textured sounds. Brilliantly emotive and simply stunning to listen to, they’re a flawless centrepiece for the track
Growing up in Sweden, it took a while for Martina to become fully acquainted with the idea of a career in music, but we’re so glad that she took to it in the end. Melancholic and perfectly paced, there’s an enduring beauty to ‘Trouble’ that will have you coming back again and again. With more songs and a long-awaited EP on the horizon, it’s a wonderfully exciting time for both Martina and her fans, and we can’t wait to hear what else she has planned..
‘Trouble' is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Score: 9/10
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