Dom Martin Buried in the Hail (LP)

(Forty Below Records) 11 tracks

Belfast native Dom Martin took the British blues scene by storm in 2019. His stunning, natural sound and talent on acoustic guitar, coupled with his authentic "Belfast Blues" voice, led to comparisons with John Martyn and Rory Gallagher, as well as Van Morrison and Foy Vance. Dom is not only a star on the acoustic guitar, but also an expert on the electric guitar and proves his talent with his power trio.

His latest album, "Buried in the Hail," was co-produced by Grammy-nominated producers Chris O'Brien and Graham Murphy and mixed at Golden Egg Studios in Dublin, Ireland. Joining him in the studio were bassist Ben Graham and drummer Jonny McIlroy. The album takes the listener on a very personal journey.

"Unhinged" is all rage and fury, sparks and smoke and flames, from screaming amplifiers. Taking a positive turn is "Daylight I Will Find," a song about life's challenges and how one can find answers through self-love. The album's only cover is a broken, heartbroken version of the Willie Nelson classic "Crazy," made famous by Patsy Cline. It is with this alternate version that Dom identifies most. Finally, "Howlin" is a tribute to Howlin' Wolf.