Martha – Love Keeps Kicking
If there's any justice in the world, Love Keeps Kicking will be the record that sends Martha into the big leagues that they are surely destined to enter
In a world that seems increasingly full of hate, it's often necessary to be reminded that love will always remain. Love Keeps Kicking, the third full-length from Pity Me, Durham twee-punks Martha, is an album about love lost and heartbreak, but there remains throughout a hopefulness that love will prevail. After two excellent previous records in 2014's Courting Strong and 2016's Blisters in the Pit of My Heart, Martha experienced a tumultuous time recording their third, both personally and politically.
On top of the breakup of which the title alludes to, Martha found themselves at the centre of two disappointing events concerning the #MeToo movement, having to drop out of supporting the eventually cancelled Brand New UK tour following frontman Jesse Lacey's sexual misconduct allegations, as well as those against MJ of Hookworms, their long-time producer. Fortunately, Martha have kept their heads held high during this difficult period, returning with perhaps their best record yet.
Tracks such as Love Keeps Kicking, Wrestlemania VIII and Orange Juice, to name a few, show off Martha's best quality: their endless charm. Every song here is expertly assembled, with the threat that they may crack and falter at any moment, but the band's unity holds everything together in a very pleasing manner. If there's any justice in the world, Love Keeps Kicking will be the record that sends Martha into the big leagues that they are surely destined to enter.
Listen to: Love Keeps Kicking, Wrestlemania VIII, Orange Juice