M Craft - Blood Moon

Aussie expat Martin Craft has spent years away from home, over a decade in London’s exotic Dalston followed by LA and now a resident of Joshua Tree, home to Josh Homme. His classical piano and composition education and extensive experience of production, recording and guitar playing for dozens of artists have crystalized a creative nomad doing things his own way. For a singer with a distinctive voice, Craft has several instrumentals on this album, beautiful, gentle pieces which carry the listener down the emotional river of Blood Moon. His influences are a blend of Scandinavia, Mojave and the Far East, tinkling chimes and gentle repeated piano motifs with plenty of space between the notes. Chemical Trails showcases his style with restrained sadness and honesty, “I can see the light in everyone” accompanied by ivories tinkling like the soundtrack to a Nordic murder show. Cello and lighter strings play their part, peacefully setting the scene in Afterglow and the more optimistic Love Is The Devil, unchaining deeper connections to the poignancy within. M Craft has brought these songs together musically, giving a sense of vision. Gorgeous and tender, while Blood Moon is no party record, sometimes a dude needs some chill out time and this contemplative and hypnotic work is like a shield of glittering gloom against the world.