VENUE Mag: Martin Wardley -‘Into the Abyss’ (Album self release) - 3*
Spitting, gasping, and slurring his way through eleven spirited tracks, Bath’s Martin Wardley seems to be
making a real effort to sq...ueeze out something unique with this release. Though his vocals often sound
unnaturally strained, and occasionally like a Dylan parody, it seems he’s forcing his words with such exertion
because he clearly believes in their importance, and has some cracking stories to tell. And his stories don’t all
sound the same, either; while one tune (‘In the Clues’) bobs on swelling waves of cello, the next (‘Is There Anybody Out There?’)
is driven by train engine chugs, electric guitar riffs and growling inquisitions. Each song has at least one catchy melody, which,
when combined with Wardley’s inclination for tuneful experimentation, quirky voice, and unapologetic songwriting (“You say it’s unnatural /
Well, nature can be an ass”), makes for a memorable listen. (Kristen Grayewski)
BBC Radio Bristol Introducing
"This collection is a Dark and brooding one...Time taken has yeilded something really special.. as his cave-esque vocal inparticular
has created an intimate atmospheric quality..Wait worth it – most of the album is acoustic in nature – the more up tempo track (Is there anybody out there)
is a stand-out track....Fantastic track. Rest of album quite unlike that.