Search - Charlotte Martin :: In Parentheses (Dig)

Great Debut from a "Monster" Talent

Daren K. Sweeney | Brandywine, MD United States | 12/04/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Ms. Martin's music is heartfelt, passionate, and consuming. Unlike most artists, her tracks become increasingly interesting with each additional listen. I would've given the EP 5 stars but, if you've ever heard her live, you need to save room for an even higher mark. Think of her as Tori Amos without the self-consciousness and nuttiness. On second thought, just think of her as Charlotte."

One cd you will NOT regret purchasing

Daren K. Sweeney | 12/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Charlotte Martin's EP is just a glimmer into the beauty and talent this rising star possesses. Not only does she have wonderful virtuosity at the piano, but she has insightful, thought-provoking lyrics that can back up the charm and emotion in the music. Her voice is gorgeous, rich and pure, though she's not afraid to jazz it up with a few spurs of rawness. It's a mesmerizing mix, with glimmers of Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, and other talented musical females shining through. This is said with nothing but praise in mind, as Martin clearly holds her own and proves she is her own talented woman following along the same path as the greats before her. She shines in this EP, and listeners will be thrilled to learn her full-length album is scheduled to come out in the coming year. I know I am looking foward to it with great anticipation. This is one EP you do not want to wait to buy; you will only kick yourself for not reaping the beauty of it earlier once you give it the first listen."

A new beautiful chanteuse and pianist

Samantha | Newton, Massachusetts | 10/21/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just have to respond to the other review about Char "faking" experiences- a very close friend of hers committed suicide, and she has also had a battle with anorexia, rejection from her label, etc. I don't think that she is trying to exploit her experiences, this is just her way of expressing herself. Onto the review. Charlotte's voice is gorgeous and tone perfect, her piano playing diverse and skilled, and her melodies are catchy without being overly "Top 40 sounding". There's a sincerity to her lyrics that is missing in most mainstream music. Some think that the track "Monster" is overly produced, but I love the layering of percussion and background vocals- this song takes a few listens, but it grows on you very quickly. "Your Armor" is a stripped down ballad, pure and clear. "Pretty thing" is a great declaration rejecting her former beauty queen identity. "In parentheses" could be compared to Tori Amos, but this was one of Charlotte's earlier songs and she has been able to get away from the songs that would be compared to Tori's style. Charlotte can run circles around such overly rated musicians as Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch- Charlotte is not only more mature than these musicians, but her goal is to express herself with her music, rather than try to sell a certain number of records. Charlotte is also co-producing this album (she produced and mixed her entire independent ep release Test Drive Songs, but RCA probably won't let her produce completely on her own just yet). Co-producing will give Charlotte the chance to have control of her music and sound all the more, even while signed to a major record label. This is only a sampling of more great music that is to come from Charlotte."