Sons of Martha return with a track that lingers like an old memory, smoky and reflective. “A Nightjar Calls” is a moment suspended in time, a melancholic yet oddly comforting meditation on the fleeting nature of life. With shades of The Smiths, REM, and Leonard Cohen, it is familiar yet refreshingly original.
The track kicks off with deep, brooding guitar riffs that slowly unravel into a shimmering pulse, setting the tone for something both haunting and hypnotic. The rhythm section moves with an unhurried grace, rumbling and slow-paced, while Josh Beach’s vocals step into the spotlight—low, gravelly, and full of knowing wisdom. He doesn’t just sing the words; he inhabits them, delivering each line with a world-worn sincerity.
And then there’s that lyrical weight. “A Nightjar Calls” leans into poetic musings on time slipping away, with nods to Shakespeare and a self-awareness that never turns self-pitying. Instead, the song accepts life’s impermanence, like watching the last embers of a fire fade, but knowing there’s warmth still left in the ashes. The instrumentation follows suit, ebbing and flowing with an understated elegance that lets the words breathe.
This single marks a shift for Sons of Martha, less breezy than their past work, more introspective, heavier, but never oppressive. If their previous releases were the golden glow of late afternoon, this one is the hush of twilight. The fact that much of the recording was done live only adds to its raw, immediate feel. You can almost picture them in the studio, letting the music unfold organically, each member carving out space while blending seamlessly.
With a recent show at O2 Islington and an upcoming gig at Camden Assembly, Sons of Martha are allowing you to grasp the full length of their abilities LIVE. Mark your calendars and stay tuned.
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Review by: Naomi Joan