Drew Martin & the Limelights

Drew Martin and the Limelights [EP] – Drew Martin is a singer-songwriter from Richmond, VA, leading the band Drew Martin & the Limelights. Their first EP is self-titled and available on iTunes and Amazon – it features five jangle pop tracks to enhance your chilling out this summer. Drew is also a member of the Jim Ivins Band, which we’ve covered a couple times here previously on BMF (click here), and Ivins plays along here as one of the Limelights. Martin has a soothing voice, which can kick up into an ear-pleasing falsetto, perfect for this style of mellow yet upbeat pop rock. Most of the tunes are acoustic-based and feature cozy melodies atop of smart lyrics telling stories of deceit, nostalgia, and hope. Highlights include the driving rockers “Calling Your Bluff” and “Bring The Light”, but don’t miss the breezy closer “Just Call Me” either. Learn more about the band and their music here. - Bill's Music Forum

I haven’t been 100% honest with you, and I need to come clean. No, it isn’t you. It’s me. You’ve done nothing wrong. I’ve been…selfish. Stop, don’t say that I haven’t. Just let me get this off my chest, okay? In starting this blog, my initial goal was to educate anyone who came across it about new artists. Whether it be introducing you to the perfect mood song, or somehow creating a lasting relationship between you and an artist, I wanted to help. In the process, though, I’ve also been acquainted with various musicians myself and, well, I kind of like it. I’ve developed new favorites through this blog, and I’m ok with it. I’ve even put some of their music on my iPod. (Go ahead, you can gasp, scream, react.) I know what you’re thinking. Self consumed music junkie. Well, if self consumed is what led me to Drew Martin and the Limelights, I’ll take it. You know what? You should be grateful, because I may reap the benefits of HauteThought, but I’ve never once held out on you, and it would be an injustice to do so with this group.

Created in the summer of 2010, Drew Martin and the Limelights are new to the music scene but this isn’t to say that they sound any less experienced than what you might hear on the radio. Lead singer Drew Martin’s voice is reminiscent of Plain White T’s Tom Higgenson’s, with a twist of gravel and dash of sincerity. Hit and Run, which can be found on their first EP, had me sold within the first few bars. The relate-ability of Martin’s voice and complementary instrumentals come together to form a song that I could easily listen to on repeat for hours.

I want to throw a punch that’ll make you proud,
I want to feel your eyes cut through the crowd and into me,
Defenselessly.
Yes, I know my turn has just begun,
I am tiger wild and blossom young,
But still I hope that I was more than your hit and run.

Drew Martin and the Limelight’s five song EP isn’t afraid to delve emotionally deeper than most popular music. In Calling Your Bluff, the 4 member group discusses living life after a lie in a surprisingly upbeat song. Not only do they touch upon deeper concepts, but they do it in a lyrically beautiful way. The fact that I was actually sent the lyrics says a lot to me. The group is proud of them, and they have a reason to be. Attractive vocals, well written lyrics and solid instrumentation? Not bad, not bad at all.

You look so sweet but I should have guessed,
That you may smell like vanilla,
But you taste like cigarettes.

In trying to choose the top songs on their EP, I found myself with a first class ticket on the struggle bus. I like all of them, and I like all of them a lot. After much deliberation and a wrestling match with my thoughts, the top five songs for me would have to be: Hit and Run, Calling Your Bluff, Bring the Light, Once Was, and Just Call Me. Did I just name all of the songs on the EP? Whoops…

Honestly, I believe the group describes themselves in the first set of lyrics: “Yes, I know my turn has just begun, I am tiger wild and blossom young, But still I hope that I was more than your hit and run.” This young group has just gotten started and Drew Martin, Stephen Stites, Jim Ivins, and David Young are much more than just a hit and run. The talent displayed in a mere five songs is more than enough to give the group lasting power and the ability to outshine other acoustic pop groups. If they continue to pinpoint the raw talent they clearly possess, being a hit and run should be the last thing Drew Martin and the Limelights have to worry about. - HauteThought

Drew Martin and the Limelights is made up members of the Jim Ivins Band, yet manage to craft music into a totally different direction – one that’s full of a lot of energetic sounds and extremely catchy and very heartfelt lyrics. - Richmond Playlist

Drew Martin and the Limelights – Drew Martin and the Limelights EP (Unsigned)

In the world of pop music, it seems like it is dominated with names from the Disney roster, teenagers and older acts re-inventing themselves with softer edges. To find a polished finished product that was not pre-packaged by some super producer is extremely rare these days.

Go back ten to fifteen years and there were more bands than you can count in this genre. The Counting Crows, Gin Blossoms, Goo Goo Dolls, Sister Hazel, etc. The list went on and on. Each of these bands, while still around and producing new music, has seen their time in the limelight reduced by the Emo and pseudo-punk bands that took over the radio for a while.

There is always a place for good songwriting and the sugary sweet cover of a good pop song. With Drew Martin and his band, we have found just that. On their debut self-released EP, we find five tracks of syrupy goodness and songs that will lock themselves in your brain for days. Each track has that combination of strong lyrics, nice melodies and a hook.

Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, this quartet consists of Martin (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Jim Ivins (lead guitar, vocals), Stephen Stites (bass) & David Young (drums). The five acoustic-driven tracks were written over a two year period. The lyrics are at times uplifting and positive, and others sad and heart wrenching. Martin shows vulnerability, but also the ability to pick himself up and stand strong.

He has a strong side-man in Ivins to play lead guitar while also lending his ample talents to the harmonies to these radio-friendly tunes. Stites and Young don’t overwhelm on the backline, filling holes where needed, but let Martin and Ivins do all the heavy lifting.

Lead track “Calling Your Bluff” has that top down, hair blowing in the wind feel. The tempo is higher than many of the other tracks and gives the listener that feel of breaking free. With lyrics like “You may smell like vanilla, but you taste like cigarettes,” Martin is calling out a past love and letting them go in the best way possible.

The single “Hit & Run” has a beautiful sense and tries not to do too much. Starting soft, but building in strength, Martin shows both a sense of youth and knowledge here. The harmonies are beautiful and heartfelt.

“Bring The Light” is reminiscent of those late 90’s pop songs. There are definite Gin Blossoms and Sister Hazel-styled overtones. Imagine the song “Hey Jealousy” with Sister Hazel’s harmonic touches. It’s an upbeat tune that is in a perfect radio package at 3:12.

The strongest track on the EP happens to be the longest. “Just Call Me” may not be one that would end up heard on the radio, but it will end up being a fan favorite. It has everything you want in an acoustic pop tune: good guitar work, strong lyrics, a great hook and beautiful harmonies. Martin states that “it’s a personal favorite of mine. Frankly, it’s long because I had a lot to say. It’s about that moment of powerlessness in a relationship when both people know that it’s falling apart, it’s nobody’s fault, and all you can do step back together and watch it crumble.” If for no other reason, find these guys and hear this song.

The boys will be going up and down the east coast throughout the summer in support of their first release. If you get a chance, go see them live and support the small bands out there. They are worth seeing and probably better than some of those acts you will shell out $100 to see.

Written by Victor Alfieri - OurVinyl.com