Martin Stilwell Releases Debut EP ‘Bathed In Light’
Martin Stilwell’s debut EP comes off the back of an 8 year hiatus. Previously having been the front man for Liverpool bands Alterkicks and Dead Cities, he has taken the decision to go solo with Bathed in Light.
Not a newbie to the music scene, Stilwell is a singer songwriter who has been making music for over 20 years and has performed all over the UK, including shows at Glastonbury and T in the Park.
With 5 tracks, all with their subtleties and nuances, it’s a good scope of work ranging from the title track’s acoustic opening gradually building into a round of Bathed in Light choruses to finish – all the way to Purdie which harks back to the late Bernard Purdie’s famous shuffle drum beat, and featuring his voice from a lesson which talks through the intricacies of the rhythm over a soundscape created by Stilwell.
Overall, his solo work is rooted in the traditions of classic song-writing; echoes of Neil Young and production techniques that deliver a sampled quality with rich sounds are delivered through a decidedly English filter, with overall production influenced by the likes of Kieran Hebden’s Four Tet – who’s home studio style recording processes resonated with the stay-at-home musicians of lockdown and inspired people to create music without the need for a full studio set up.
Bathed in Light is Stilwells’ eclectic debut collection of homemade recordings, taking in alternative pop, melodic folk, and electronica and also not to forget his first solo EP – with all tracks written and performed by Martin.
The musicianship and talent of being a ‘self-contained’ aside, the blend of work with varying styles and genres proves to be a great listen with plenty of ‘ah-ha’ moments that crop up along the way which only paves the way for a more eclectic mix of songs from him to come.
Be sure to check out his debut EP which comes out today on all the major streaming platforms. Or you can listen to & buy it on Bandcamp.
Follow Martin Stilwell on Twitter and Instagram for updates.
Michael Fell
