Billie Marten may not be a household name among all music lovers, but she is worth considering. A singer-songwriter from England, Billie Marten, first earned some attention for her talents when she was only a kid, with her videos showcasing her singing on YouTube to thousands of views. From here Marten grew, putting out a couple of EPs between 2014 and 2015, with her debut album Writing of Blues and Yellows arriving in 2016 through RCA. Releasing one more album with RCA in 2019, Marten moved on to British label Fiction Records, releasing Flora Fauna in 2021.
In recent history, Marten has showcased different faces of her sound on each release. Listeners have seen Marten offer Folk elements on Feeding Seahorses by Hand from 2019 before a dreamier, atmospheric Pop style heard on much of Flora Fauna. Both are compelling listens, and in 2023, Marten returns with her fourth album, Drop Cherries. Released on April 7th through Fiction Records, the 13 songs that make up the album once again show Marten’s song structures flowing wherever they honestly take her.
For those unfamiliar with Marten or her music, the best way to describe her is largely as a singer-songwriter rooted in modern Folk Rock music. Not limited to, Marten writes songs that are personal, thoughtful, and, as a result, very emotional. A very talented lyricist, her voice mesmerizes with subtle, relaxing, and smooth textures. And those looking for a broad comparison, think of a Dido, but more acoustically based instrumentally.
Looking at Drop Cherries, the album has a relatively even mood, which is soul-easing and predominantly stripped down. Unique to what she did with Flora Fauna, this album is heavily acoustic guitar-based, but not without other elements included, such as piano and drums. Produced together with Dom Monk (who has worked with Marten in the past, among many others, including Mary Chapin Carpenter), what is captured is a very mood-driven collection. In enough words, you essentially feel like you are sitting in a room with Marten as she openly performs songs from her heart.
Requiring your undivided attention to grasp the beauty it possesses, turning moments on Drop Cherries would have to include, but not be limited to, “Just Us,” the single “I Can’t Get My Head Around You,” “Willow,” plus the stunning “Arrows” and album title-track. These samples hold this album together like glue, each quite moving, so listeners catch everything inside it equally.
Now, at 24 years of age, it could be argued that Billie Marten’s best years are ahead of her as a creator. Already done so much, the young singer-songwriter continues to grow rapidly. This makes Drop Cherries an enchanting listen that fans of Acoustic Rock, Folk Rock, or plain good music should want to check out. Adding to the story, Marten closed out 2023 and recently released an acoustic EP entitled Billie Marten on Audiotree Live. It features six songs from Drop Cherries, which are also worth your time and are available for streaming at places such as Spotify. A bright spot on the music scene, Cryptic Rock gives Drop Cherries 4 out of 5 stars.
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