John Martin - Album Review: Zealander
Wellington based
Drummer/Singer and multi-instrumentalist; John Martin has just released his third album Zealander. His love of strong pop melodies and James Brown covers shine through on this album mingling with his uniquely upbeat sound. Zealander was just the musical tonic I needed to combat any “Groundhog Day” blues.
Years of playing James Brown covers has given John Martin's music a smooth retro pop vibe and has helped him develop his own refreshing, funky pop electronica sound which shines on this 11-track album. Album artwork was taken by John of a custom 3D model of himself “the Zealander” in a variety of spectacular Wellington locations, which is engaging.
John Martin has an era of musical expertise which has broadened to include the keyboard, bass and guitar. When he felt the urge to write his own music he could “barely string three chords together” however following the punk ethos of ‘I’ll just do it anyway’, John set out to write and record his music. The result is smooth vocals over well written lyrics reflecting his own viewpoint on life. Tight instrumentals and clean recording lend for an enjoyable listening experience.
Launching into it with The Best Song In The World with a strong indication that this was going to be some good nostalgic sounding original 80s synth pop recrafted into a modern 2021 sound.
Moving through Zealander, I could hear the James Brown influence was strong, particularly on Living The Dream, an electronic pop song with a good amount of synth, cowbell and happy vibes.
Track 5 Man Child offered up a curve ball, from the very first chord I was reminded of Talking Heads. More David Byrne, less James Brown.
Each track threw out a funky pop vibe laden with synth. I found Zealander to be refreshing and multidimensional, I heard tones of James Brown, David Byrne and even a hint of David Bowie on the last track, Put It In A Song. This album was like a long walk on the beach during a warm Summer day, it made me feel sunny inside. Which is what we all need right about now.
About John Martin
Starting out in the nineties as the singing drummer for Wildside act Emulsifier, John has gone on to produce his own albums with his third and latest, Zealander featuring a video for the single The Best Song In The World. Several years in the making, these songs reflect John's outlook on life and a certain punk DIY attitude towards the label multi-instrumentalist as well as a new found sense of identity in this Covid world. The album artwork is a series of photographs taken by John of a custom 3D model of himself, "the Zealander" in a variety of spectacular Wellington locations. The album is available for stream/download from MeotropeMusic on Bandcamp.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for John Martin
Releases
Other Reviews By Corinne Rutherford
Ms. Mia - EP Review: Living In The Shadows
06 Jun 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Born in Manila and residing in Auckland, Mia Caintic AKA Ms. Mia has just released her 5-track debut EP Living In The Shadows.
Read More...
Casual Healing - Album Review: Driftwood
13 May 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
When you fly Air New Zealand, there may be a chance you have heard one of the latest singles Mauri Tau from Wellington based musician Nikau Te Huki, who goes under the name of Casual Healing on his 12-track solo project titled Driftwood. This is one of two tracks released from the self-produced debut album.
Read More...
Album Review: Levity Beet And The Aotearoa All Stars
30 Apr 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Golden Bay's multiple award-winning children’s music artist Levity Beet is well regarded in his field. Three times APRA Children's Song of the Year winner and two times Tui Children's Musician of the Year, he knows a thing or two about producing heartwarming, entertaining and amusing music which captures the hearts and minds of our children.
Read More...
Ersha Island - EP Review: Back To Our Roots
29 Feb 2024 // by Corinne Rutherford
Classically trained duo Dani and Tee are Ersha Island, Auckland based musicians with a contemporary style which has been described as indie-folk. They began their journey in Guangzhou, China on Ersha Island, hence their name.
Read More...
Eden Mulholland - Album Review: A Bee Might Bite My Nose
21 Dec 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Funny, Kooky and gently melancholic at times is one description of respected Australasian composer, songwriter and collaborator Eden Mulholland (Ngati Porou). His most recent release is channeled by a very cute teddy bear.
Read More...
Jessica Leigh - EP Review: Lightbeam
03 Nov 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Wellington based Nelsonian, singer, songwriter and producer Jessica Leigh has recently released her third EP Lightbeam. Changing tack from her previous EP in 2021, the acoustic guitars and strings have given way to full synthpop sound with an 80's inspired vibe.
Read More...
Michèle Ducray - EP Review: Throne Of Mine
05 Oct 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Mysterious and sinister themes such as horror combined with the colourful characteristics of circus life are the inspiration behind emerging dark-pop artist Michèle Ducray's debut EP Throne Of Mine. The balance of both dark and light create a fresh and original sound that is complex as it is identifiable.
Read More...
Sam Heselwood - EP Review: Home Is Where The Heart Is
19 Sep 2023 // by Corinne Rutherford
Ex rugby player turned singer-songwriter Sam Heselwood has recently released his 5 track EP Home Is Where The Heart Is. Originally from Christchurch, the indie-pop musician has delivered poignant, beautifully composed music which aims straight for the heart.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
