Martin Kelly is a man who knows how to pen a tune. As one half of Scottish folk duo Martin & James, Kelly has already seen two full-length releases put out via Universal Music, and has won accolades over a number of years spent playing live shows, supporting artists from fellow Scot Amy MacDonald to Paul Weller.
Itโs no surprise, then, that his debut solo EP this August, Fine Love, is a solid output of clever composition alongside haunting Dylan-esque vocals. Kelly carried the sound of his small Scottish hometown across to Berlin back in 2009, and itโs perhaps this dislocation that we hear in โFar Awayโ: a reflection on the places and people left behind. โLike a message in a bottle doesnโt know where itโs gone / In waters unknown, I am far away from homeโ.
More of an exploration than a departure
Fine Love feels like a chance for Kelly to showcase his range; as a lone guitarist on opener โA Match Already Burnedโ and also with a full band on โFar Awayโ. The emotion in the title track comes across through the piano-led melody and weโre even given a glimpse of distortion – the furthest Kelly is willing to tread from his traditional folksy territory. Neil Young is cited as an influence, and you can hear Kellyโs rock sensibilities beneath the structure of several of these songs.
Film geeks will recognise his music from the soundtrack of Amelie Rennt
The EP seems more of an exploration than a departure, and Kelly will reunite with the other half of Martin & James for a forthcoming third album. Kelly continues to win fans and friends; film geeks will recognise his music from the soundtrack of Amelie Rennt – winner of the Crystal Bear at the Berlinale this year. Whatever name it comes under, be sure to keep an ear out for his music for some time to come.