Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Hell is a good starting place for the righteous to start a revolution, but as the infernal pace freezes over and the snowball’s chance and the possibility of being Buried In The Hail proves the downfall of the devils and gods, so the main believers are afforded the time to state their case and show Hell the heaven that awaits.
Recorded at Golde Egg Studios in Ireland, Dom Martin’s deeply satisfying new album, who the artist himself admits to being 100 percent happy with, Buried In The Hail finds the sense of the possession to be fulfilling, to continue to be immersed in the Roots, Americana, and the Blues with an ease that makes a demon jealous and an angel seethe at the usurping of the natural order.
You might be buried in the hail and feel the continual sting of the hardened ice, but even in the gruff persona the listener cannot but help but feel the love that is being revealed, the honour of the cover of Willie Nelson’s Crazy as it sits pleasingly in the middle of the album, almost a bookend between volumes of stirring literature is to be admired, and as tracks such as Government, Belfast Blues, Unhinged, Lefty 2 Guns, The Fall, and the album title track of Buried In The Hail all unite in appreciation of those who see the sunshine and warmth despite the barrage and volley of the storm that surrounds.
Hailed by many as the natural successor to Rory Gallagher, the music that sweet talks its way to the listener’s soul is thankfully not concealed, it refuses to be suppressed, for this is an album that relishes the avalanche, and turns it round to face the welcome and the hollers and the waves of joy, the real hail, and not a devil in sight.
A terrifically balanced recording, one of immediate charm and guile, and one that allows the listener great pleasure as Dom Martin greets you, address you, despite the hail falling, with sentiment and emotional response.
Dom Martin releases Buried In The Hail on September 22nd and is available from Forty Below Records.
Ian D. Hall