｡𖦹 ⋆Debut EP Release ✮ ⋆ ˚: Essence Martins "Deer In The Headlights"

｡𖦹 ⋆Debut EP Release ✮ ⋆ ˚:

Essence Martins "Deer In The Headlights"

British Nigerian artist Essence Martins blends the genres of pop, indie-folk, and soul to create magical experiences for listeners.

23.02.24 Words by Georgina Shine

The newest release from Martins is their mini album/EP – Deer In The Headlights and it is a 6 track gentile yet ethereal experience that will leave you transported into another world.

Rubber Band focuses on the purity of Essence’s vocals as it is the mainstay sound in the track. As the introduction to the project, it sets the story of what is to come. It does open a story with its lyrics of hardship and a troubled connection between two people. Its introduction to the ethereal abilities of Martin’s voice by making it the focal point allows audiences to appreciate the talent from the get-go and also excites for what is to come on the rest of the EP/album.

Pending Status is a track about love and a relationship that doesn’t seem to be true as Martins talks about waiting around for the pending status of the situation to be confirmed. Interspersed throughout the track is a backing of a male voice with voice messages and phone conversations

Wandering Souls explores the reality we live in and the potential of another worldly place beyond what we know. It asks the question of where a soul goes once its time within reality as we know it is over. Essences also pose the possibility of whether all of our questions would be answered if we could find out what lies beyond the world we see. The song reaches a crescendo towards the end that sees a layering of voices all at once that embodies the purgatory-style feeling of all of the wandering souls stuck in this state waiting for somewhere to go and to be free.

Like A Fool is a beautiful ballad that pulls at the heartstrings as the album’s title is quoted in this hit about heartbreak. Opening with piano and setting the scene of the pain and hurt, the chorus moves into an echoing vocal of this twisted love story. Each verse is serene as Martins recognises the pain that she experiences as a result of the result. But the chorus picks up in rhythm and volume as she tells of how even with the heartache she can’t quite pull away from the pain even though she knows it’s wrong.

Brussel Sprouts beams with optimism in this light and soft track that puts a smile on your face as you hear it. The positivity that her lover brings her is highlighted here as she talks about all of the wonders of her twin sister and just what they bring to her life, how the things they can do are almost miraculous.

Closing the EP/album is Hate No More an acoustic guitar-heavy number where Martins describes trying to support and save the protagonist of the song but the message is beyond the protagonist and feels like a song for the listeners and even for herself. This a saviour song that is about finding something beyond the music and the words, this is a song of sanctuary that says to everyone, whatever you feel, you’re not alone, there is a brighter side, a person at the other end wanting to help you.

Overall, Martins has crafted a six-song masterpiece that uses her vocal and lyrical abilities to transport listeners to another world and take them on a journey. If you aren’t already a fan of this artist, then this EP/album is an incredible introduction to her musical world that will have you pining for more.

✩♬ ₊˚TAKE CENTRE STAGE☾⋆⁺₊✧