Artist Spotlight
Martin Lloyd Howard explores classical and flamenco traditions on “Hidden Andalucia”
“Hidden Andalucia” is a return for Martin Lloyd Howard, a solo guitar piece of exquisite detail that, in one expressive, carefully crafted performance, touches on centuries of musical influence. The work has a timeless quality, drawing on classical and folk traditions while radiating the emotional intimacy of contemporary acoustic storytelling.
“Hidden Andalucia” is based on the subtle textures of solo classical guitar, and opens with a contemplative mood inspired by the work of Elizabethan composer John Dowland. The opening passages establish a quiet precision that allows you to settle into the intricate fingerwork and understated elegance of the arrangement. Flamenco themes appear spontaneously with rhythmic flourishes and emotional melodies throughout the composition.
The move from the classical-inspired sections into the more spirited Spanish flavors is smooth and well thought-out, underlining Howard’s history as a guitarist who has moved beyond the confines of classical into the realms of folk, blues, and rock. With “Hidden Andalucia,” Martin Lloyd Howard has given us a polished, emotionally deep instrumental work that speaks to musicianship and artistic curiosity. It’s a thoughtful blend of tradition, storytelling, and expressive acoustic craftsmanship.
Connect with Martin Lloyd Howard on Spotify
Album Review
Block turns heartbreak into light on “Love Crash,” a raw journey through survival
Block’s sixth studio album, “Love Crash,” is a 10-track rock record that takes a human, quietly hopeful approach to heartbreak. Illuminated by openness, humor, and a surprising sense of joy, the album is a 32-minute, 45-second journey through grief, reflection, and emotional recovery.
With the first track, “I Thought I Won The War,” Block sets a tone of emotional ambiguity where wins are dubious, and wars within are still raging. “California Calls” wants to be far away, wants to go away, but memory tugs the other way. “Over And Over” is about cycles of emotion that keep repeating, even when you want to move on. “Firefly” offers a softer light, pointing to fragile hope in emotional weight.
“All In My Head” explores the inner turmoil of the mind, which is louder than the world outside. “Song To Jamie” feels like a letter written from regret and memory. “The Heartbreak Song” is a total embrace of emotional collapse, but it’s structured and honest. “Carly Says” is about the voices outside that inform the decisions inside. “No One Ever Taught Me How” emphasizes the lack of emotional experience and difficulty in dealing with emotions. “Still Life” ends on a quiet note of pause, as if everything has been dealt with but not forgotten.
The album was written from a dark place, and each song was a step to emotional healing. Produced by Chris Kuffner, with final mixing and mastering by ECR President Blake Morgan, “Love Crash” is a patchwork of imperfect moments, sewn together with honesty, of an artist processing pain while still reaching for the light.
Photo Credit: Dave Doobinin
Artist Spotlight
seeTrees embrace renewal and reflection on “Easy Times”
seeTrees are back with “Easy Times,” a meditative Americana-rock tune that’s like sunlight breaking through after a long storm. It’s based on the emotional reality of sticking with something and making amends, and it exploits the idea that relationships can survive a storm if you choose to recall what you initially fell in love with.
The song pulls from classic and modern Americana touchstones, reminiscent of the warm storytelling of artists like Wilco and Tom Petty, while carrying the atmospheric pull of artists like The War on Drugs and Ryan Adams. seeTrees’ vocals combine a lifelike, relatable texture with conviction. Their performances conveys clear emotions through an open, accepting view, which allows the newfound resilience in their lyrics to land naturally.
“Easy Times” captures a rare moment after a struggle has ended, when relief slowly replaces tension and possibility feels real again. seeTrees offers a song that is both personal and universal, one that will resonate with anyone who has ever had to rebuild something meaningful. “Easy Times” sees seesTrees as storytellers with a heart for emotion, a band whose sound is looking both backward and forward.
Photo Credit: Anthony Bradley
Connect with seesTrees on Website | Spotify | Instagram | TikTok
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