Dom Martin – Buried Alive
Label: Forty Below
Release date: December 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: Howlin’, Belfast Blues, Unhinged, Hell For You
Dom Martin’s “Buried Alive” — A Raw, Soulful Journey Through Blues and Beyond
Belfast-born blues guitarist Dom Martin is on an upward trajectory, captivating audiences across Europe with his raw emotional energy and masterful guitar work. His latest release, Buried Alive, a double album featuring both electric and acoustic performances recorded live across the UK and Europe, showcases his incredible skill and versatility as an artist. With accolades pouring in from both fans and industry experts alike, Buried Alive serves as both a culmination of Martin’s career so far and a stepping stone into the future.
This release offers a fresh perspective on his previous albums – Spain to Italy (2019), A Savage Life (2022), and Buried in the Hail (2023) – bringing together his most impactful tracks and reinterpreting them in a live setting. From the first note of “Daylight I Will Find,” the album draws listeners in with its powerful, blues-soaked vibe that sets the tone for what’s to come. Martin’s dusky, heartfelt vocals and intricate guitar playing shine through in every song, telling stories that go beyond words and are steeped in emotion.
Blues at Its Core, But More Than Just Blues
Martin has never been one to be confined by genre labels, and on Buried Alive, he effortlessly blends blues with elements of rock, folk, and acoustic mastery. His prowess as a guitarist is undeniable, and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music is unparalleled. While tracks like “Government” bring a mellow, almost John Martyn-esque vibe, others like “Howlin’” and “Lefty 2 Guns” bring the kind of raw, gritty blues that can only come from years of playing in smoky venues and honky-tonk bars. These songs take listeners on a journey that’s both personal and universal – there’s a touch of classic blues, but with a modern edge that’s all Martin.
“Government,” a standout track, carries a late-night, brooding feel, with its haunting guitar work and lyrics that convey a sense of defiance and reflection. The stripped-back acoustic arrangement in this track allows the subtle, yet powerful, shifts in Martin’s voice to take center stage, creating a beautiful contrast between the delicate musicality and the darker undertones of the song. It’s a perfect example of Martin’s ability to craft complex emotions from the simplest of musical ideas.
A Master of Both Acoustic and Electric Performances
While his acoustic performances display his delicate touch and ability to evoke deep, reflective moments, it’s on the electric guitar that Martin truly shows his range. “Unhinged,” with its powerful, driving riffs, immediately recalls the fiery energy of legends like Robin Trower, while “12 Gauge” and “Dixie Black Hand” channel the raw energy of classic rock with an undeniably blues-infused groove. The intensity of the live performance, with its swelling solos and energetic band interplay, showcases the fearlessness with which Martin approaches his craft.
Martin’s electric solos – most notably on “Lefty 2 Guns” and “12 Gauge” – are the stuff of legends. His ability to build tension, hold back, and then release it in a glorious explosion of sound is a testament to his prowess as a guitarist. This is no simple “shredder” mentality; Martin’s playing is tastefully restrained when necessary, but when he lets loose, it’s like a force of nature, leaving audiences breathless in his wake.
A Live Experience Captured Perfectly
There’s something uniquely special about a live album, and Buried Alive does an exceptional job of capturing the energy, vulnerability, and passion of Dom Martin’s live performances. While live recordings can often fall short of the excitement of being at the show itself, this double album gets remarkably close to replicating the experience of hearing Martin live. The audience’s reaction, the slight imperfections, the palpable tension of a performer deeply connected to his material – all of these elements are present in full force here.
The medley of “Easy Way Out/Belfast Blues” and the extended “Hell For You/Mercy” give Martin the chance to stretch out both musically and lyrically, allowing him to explore new dimensions of his songs while maintaining their core emotional impact. It’s here, in these longer, improvisational moments, where his deep connection to his music and his audience truly shine.
A Legacy in the Making
Dom Martin’s rise in the blues world is no accident. With a natural gift for storytelling through song, a guitar technique that blends precision with emotion, and a voice that ranges from a haunting growl to a delicate whisper, Martin has earned the accolades he’s received – most notably, the Blues Album of the Year for Buried in the Hail at the IBBA DJ’s/Presenters Awards in 2024. He’s already made a name for himself in Europe, but with this live album and the upcoming Buried Alive tour, he’s primed to make his mark on the global blues scene.
One of the most telling aspects of Martin’s journey is his relationship with his audience. His gratitude is palpable, and it’s clear that he doesn’t just play music for the fame or the money – he plays because he needs to. His fans are the lifeblood of his career, and that connection is something you can feel in every track of Buried Alive. This isn’t just an album – it’s a thank you, a tribute, and a declaration of love for the music and the people who make it all possible.
What’s Next for Dom Martin?
With Buried Alive now in the hands of fans worldwide, it’s clear that this is just the beginning for Dom Martin. As he embarks on his 2025 tour, fans can look forward to more of the live performances that have earned him a loyal following. There’s no telling where his musical evolution will take him next, but if Buried Alive is any indication, it’s going to be an exciting ride.
So, if you haven’t yet experienced the genius of Dom Martin, now is the time. Buried Alive isn’t just an album; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the power of blues, the beauty of live music, and the sheer artistry of a musician who’s dedicated to his craft. With a voice that channels the soul of the blues and guitar work that demands attention, Dom Martin is a force to be reckoned with – and this album proves it.
