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Todd Martin has been part of the growing list of touring troubadours over the
past few years, and with the release of his third full-length release, he is
beginning to come of age as a musical artist. Time for Good was recorded
with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers as his backing band, and the result is a
perfect backdrop for Martin’s breezy alt/rock vibe. He’s also got a voice that
is instantly recognizable even if you’ve never heard him before, falling
somewhere between Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Barry Privett (Carbon Leaf) and
Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies). Musically, there are flavors of all of the
above, mixed together with the influences of contemporary singer/songwriters
like Matt Nathanson and Howie Day.
“Save Myself” is a well-crafted opener, though it almost seems as if Martin is
trying to rush to get to the next song. “Love Scene” paints some vivid images
and has the ultra-catchy tag line “Oh can I get every/Love scene of the
play?” This is a song that could and should wind up on a movie soundtrack.
“Punchline” has a folk feel akin to Carbon Leaf or even a male Patty Griffin,
and “Out To Sea” has that half-dark, emotive modern rock feel ala Toad the Wet
Sprocket—and there is something about the guitar parts that will make your neck
hairs stand up. Tracks like “Midas to Minus” and “Brand New” have infectious
choruses, and other standouts are the rocking “Paper” and the anthemic “Rescue.”
Todd Martin is surely stuck in a crowded field, but there is no denying his
talent – surrounding yourself with the likes of Kellogg will do that to a young
artist. It’s also clear that Martin has taken elements of heartbreak, the road
and memories—and tied them all together into neat melodic packages that get his
messages across. When the labels get back around to signing artists with great
voices and a keen sense of melody, along with the ambition to match, they’ll be
knocking on Martin’s door.
~Mike Farley
mfarley@bullz-eye.com
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