Posted on: December 30, 2016 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0
April Martin "In the Blink of a Life"

April Martin begins her latest album In the Blink of a Life with One Breath, a song which builds off of the rich musical tradition of the 1960s and 1970s. Martin’s vocals are influenced by Joni Mitchell and Karen Carpenter during this first track, while the instrumentation is low-key enough to allow Martin to shine. 

Heart Break Doesn’t Come has a hint of the haunting psychedelic and desert rock sound of the 1960s; Martin’s contributions here will stick with listeners long after the effort concludes. Karen’s contributions on this cut draw upon Nancy Sinatra and Mama Cass as the emotive, Santana-esque guitar lines provide the perfect counterpoint.

My Rock and My Rain is a high-water mark on In the Blink of a Life; Martin’s overall style shifts to adopt hints of Sarah McLachlan and Stevie Nicks. The arrangement here is very dense and brushy, requiring listeners to spin the track multiple times before hearing every nuanced included within.

Everyday I Love You More slows things down; the dynamic between Martin’s vocals and the piano is downright touching. The Party’s In Full Swing is the antepenultimate effort on In the Blink of a Life, showcasing a new facet to Martin. This country-esque track is bouncy and fun, an effort that could be heard around a campfire just as easily as it could be viewed on 1960s airings of the Grand Ole Opry.

In the Blink of a Life is a rare example of an album that keeps strong from the beginning until the final note ceases; while some artists struggle to stay interesting at the concluding registers of their releases, Martin keeps fans engrossed in Praise The Morning just as they initially were during One Breath.

Top Tracks: Heart Break Doesn’t Come, Everyday I Love You More

Rating: 8.1/10

April Martin “In the Blink of a Life” / 2016 Self Released / 13 Tracks / http://www.aprilmartin.com/ / https://www.facebook.com/AprilMartinMusician/

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