And here’s a belter out of left field! Taranaki native (already got me onside!) Paul Martin has delivered an unbelievably catchy single called The Duke & The Duchess and you must hear it! It’s on Spotty Fly already, so give it some air.

I’ve not got too much detail on Paul‘s history other than he’s based in New Plymouth, but the track was recorded at his home studio and he’s done remarkably well with it. It’s an up-tempo guitar based indie romp through the world of the online Influencer and the culture that goes with them. Tongue-in-cheek, wonderfully catchy and with a chorus that I am still singing in my mind as I type. It’s got oh-oh’s, which will go down really well live.

In Paul‘s socials he’s thanking Jared Hill, Riley Smith and the Pablo Martini Choir. Whatever roles these lovely folk played in the making of this single they did well.

This is simply great! Paul has a powerful, clear, radio-friendly tenor which can drop to baritone and rise too. The instruments blast along with a 2023 version of the Byrds jangly guitar sound giving the indie feel to what could almost pass as high tempo folk otherwise. It therefore can straddle several genres, and consequently is going to make a lot of people happy if radio picks it up. Which they should, and will once it gets to them.

This can be enjoyed at the barbie, on a roadie, over the speakers at the pub, as a floor filler at an event, and is definitely going to be a hit on tour. Paul – go on tour! Big thumbs-up from Jacko. This was a delight to listen to and review. Top musicianship played to be enjoyed, and a melody that suits.

This is definitely commercially viable, and as such deserves a video to accompany it. I hope we see one soon, because if it’s as fun as the track it will accompany, it’ll be an absolute ball. I’m definitely an instant fan of Paul Martin.