Similar to that of early No Doubt, Smoking Martha is putting a fantastic spin on the genre with their album titled In Deep. Only difference is a more profound rock influence instead of a funk/punk influence.
Smoking Martha is very quick to get you into the swing of things with the album, catchy riffs, groove songs and relaxing chill session overall sound. It is always great to hear an album that just makes you want to sink beers and have fun with mates.
Guitars have their low semi distorted feel with the early 90s almost grunge style verse/chorus Pattens. Nothing to over the top, just nice laid back atmosphere.
The bass pumps in a few songs and offsets the music just nicely. Well crafted lines with a great groove. Very well done.
Drums and sticking to the nice progressions that we all grew up with and loved. Very nice fills and formation. Nice deep sound but with a light clarity.
The vocals remind me of that early 90s semi funk style punk with the notes being hit well and the sound staying true to the scene. The lyrics are very easy to follow and very catchy.
The only thing that they could have done differently is maybe experiment and draw some excitement into the songs. Don’t get me wrong they are fantastic songs, just so little extra quirks and different style riffage could have really brought it out of the shadows a tiny bit more.
It is always hard to gauge these albums because they are perfect in that genre and fit just nicely. It was just the era of it that made it a masterpiece.
Release Year: 2018
Label: BAD REPUTATION
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by DK Kelly
