First off, this is one helluva debut. Second, this is NOT Michael Carpenter, but *Martin* Carpenter, an easy mistake in this neighborhood seeing that we have released numerous releases from Michael. Third, this one is classic pop, folks! Martin Carpenter has arrived out of the blue and we are thankful for that, let me tell you that. Evidently, Martin Carpenter has been honing his brutally honest pop-rock sound since he played in his first garage band in the seventh grade. Small-town Northwest Missouri provided most of the life lessons that shape Carpenter`s music today. On "Sheepish", Carpenter mines new territory and has produced a lush work that harkens to the shimmering jangle of artists such as The Pernice Brothers, The Church, Weezer/The Rentals, The Shins and Australian bands like The Bats with a dash of Psychedelic Furs and the Cars. Spanning a wide stylistic spectrum, from lackadaisical laments to sweeping, enticing rushes of pure pop satisfaction. There`s certainly nothing lacking in the spare, well-crafted songwriting or Carpenter`s frequently beauteous (and ever-breaking) shaggy-dog voice which brings to mind a blend of Leonard Cohen and Lloyd Cole. 5 STARS!!! ....engaging pop melodies and sturdy rock arrangements.. As an Iowa native, I spent years attending shows around the state and picking up excellent and little-heard records (yes, those vinyl things) by bands such as the Dangtrippers, the Shy, the Hollowmen, and (here`s an obscure one) Claude Pate. As did his musical forebears, what Carpenter has captured and brilliantly executed on his debut is the crystalline essence of Midwestern power pop. And as a long-standing devote of Midwestern power pop, one can find few better demonstrations of one`s musical talent. The opening track "Teethmarks" starts off with a variation of the riff that Shoes used to open their classic song "Tomorrow Night," albeit with a harder and more insistent edge. Very much as the title of the song suggests, it leaves a musical toothmark, so to speak, in one`s psyche. As the song surges forward, brittle yet pretty guitar arpeggios echo the melody and drive the song ahead with wiry urgency. Not to play a guess the influence game, but the insistent drumbeat/rhythm that supports the second track, "I Am Low" shares the same sort of taut urgency as does Fountains of Wayne`s "Stacy`s Mom." --Ken King, freelance writer. Extremely Highly Recommended!
 Teethmarks - mp3
I Am Low - mp3
Withering - mp3
Something Sweet - mp3
Paralytic - mp3 | 
