Smoking Martha’s debut is a truly powerful hard rock record

Smoking Martha are set to release their debut album across Europe, ‘In Deep’ on 9th November. Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, they have recently signed a European exclusive record deal with Bad Reputation Records who intend to release the record with some extra bonus tracks. Alongside this, Smoking Martha are also embarking on a 13 date UK tour, which ties in with their performance at Hard Rock Hell festival.

The band have been crushing venues with their intense live shows since the release of their first EP back in 2014, since then Smoking Martha have gathered a large underground following around the world as a result of non-stop touring as both headline and support acts.

Lead singer Tasha D has a voice which beckons your attention, a clear resemblance to the unique ‘No Doubt’ vocal stylings of the enigmatic Gwen Stefani. One defining difference is that Tasha’s voice is so much smoother, and instantly leaves a mark.

The first offering that greets us from ‘In Deep’ is ‘So Lonely’. This track is a rock number with hints of a punk influence and immediately introduces listeners to the bands raw, rock and roll sound. This opener is extremely energetic, and sets the tone for the rest of the album as well as paving the way for the second powerhouse track ‘Say You’re Mine’.

‘Say You’re Mine’ holds a heavy guitar riff behind a low vocal until after the second chorus. This is where the pace really picks up as lead singer Tasha D’s echoed vocals fade into a well-constructed guitar solo.

‘To The Stars’ is a stunning ensemble of contagious riffs and funky drum patterns, alongside an incredible hook. ‘To The Stars’ has touches of rock, punk and new wave wrapped within its sound. The track is initially a sultry rocker, yet darts off in a punk rock direction before gradually returning to its raw rock roots.

‘Baby Let Me Go’ slows things down, the melody of this song is haunting and is full of regret over what once was, but is no longer. Pain and passion are clear within the vocals, Tasha D makes you feel as if you’re in her shoes with her exceptional delivery.

‘Find A Way’ is a stunning alternative rock song, and kicks off the second half of the album beautifully, this track contains much more layering than previously displayed in the album and Tasha’s vocals fit in perfectly with this.

‘What’s Her Name’ is up-tempo and has an outstanding chord production, the ‘bouncy’ guitars within this song are the perfect counterbalance to the smooth vocals.

Closer of ‘In Deep’ is ‘Stranger Things’ which really projects the band's guitar work and songwriting into the spotlight. ‘Stranger Things’ has a strong punk influence in its veins, the lyrics “we fight” connoting the tracks aggressive attitude.

Overall, ‘In Deep’ is a powerful album and it highlights each member's individual strengths, the melodies are infectious and the vocals are beyond compare, with the most intense guitar solos and insanely powerful drum beats. Smoking Martha, as a band, are clearly ready to put their talents on show to the world for everyone to hear.