Album Review: Martha by Nick Keeling
Alright, so let’s talk about Martha, this little gem of an album that Nick Keeling dropped back in 2015. It’s one of those records you stumble across when you’re not even looking for anything special, but then—bam—it sticks with you. You know what I mean? Like, it sneaks up on ya.
First off, the whole vibe is kinda hard to pin down because it blends alternative and classical music into something fresh yet timeless. It’s contemporary without being all try-hard trendy, y’know? And since Nick self-released this under his own label (props to him for taking control), there’s this raw authenticity running through every track. Oh, and fun fact—he plays the piano himself, which gives the whole thing a personal touch. Feels like he’s sitting right there playing just for you.
Now, onto the tracks. There are some real standouts here, but two songs grabbed me by the feels more than the others: “Once There Were Billions” and “Endling.”
“Once There Were Billions” hits different from the get-go. The melody starts slow, almost hesitant, like it’s telling a story it doesn’t wanna tell but has to anyway. As it builds, you can practically picture vast landscapes or maybe even extinction-level heartbreak. I dunno why, but it made me think about loss—not in a sad way, though. More like… acknowledging how fleeting life can be. Weirdly beautiful.
Then there’s “Endling,” which honestly sounds like its title. If you don’t know, an endling is the last individual of a species before it goes extinct. Heavy stuff, right? This piece feels sparse and haunting, as if each note is echoing into emptiness. At times, it’s almost uncomfortable to listen to—but in the best possible way. Like, it forces you to sit with your thoughts instead of distracting you from ‘em. That’s rare these days.
The rest of the album keeps the same thoughtful energy going. Tracks like “Lowering Her Perch” weave together intricate melodies that feel both delicate and strong at the same time. It’s like listening to someone pour their soul out without saying a word.
So yeah, Martha. It’s not gonna slap you over the head with flashy production or radio-ready hooks. Instead, it’s subtle, emotional, and kinda profound if you give it a chance. Honestly, after listening to it, I found myself wondering if Martha was a person, a bird, or maybe just an idea. Either way, she—or it—feels important.
Final thought? Listening to this album felt like finding an old photograph tucked inside a library book. You weren’t expecting it, but suddenly you’ve got questions swirling around in your brain. Pretty cool, huh?
