Originally Published on April 15th, 2026

Martyrs, a two-piece band originally formed in Wales when mates Jon and Michael were in high school, reformed after a long hiatus in 2022. Since coming back together, they’ve released two albums: Un Diavolo In Casa: Music Inspired by the Motion Picture and Luminism. Additionally, they’ve released a series of EPs.

Martyrs have a sound that is both nostalgic and all their own. Some moments they present as progressive rock, some moments they can be quite cinematic. This accompanies a warm tenor of a lead vocal performance that, at times, sounds like something similar to 80’s pop rock.

Musically, they move through their bodies of work as if they’re telling an epilogue rather than passing off one song after another, inconsequentially. Each song seems to lead into the next, giving foreshadow of a bigger picture. I am thrilled to see the art of creating albums and full bodies of work are not completely lost to this generation of musicians.

Most recently, Martyrs released their 6- song EP, sno-fi ep in December of 2025. The body of work is atmospheric and “quiet,” like a snowy winter day. Today, they released a new EP and it sounds like it just might be their most ambitious release to date.

The Church Street EP

The Church Street EP has been released in two forms; a three-song version released on the typical streaming platforms like Spotify and an exclusive six-song version on bandcamp (linked to the title). The work features a mix of programmed percussion, synth performance, with guitars and bass, all accompanying the lead vocals. The music has a strong resemblance to the band, Princess Goes, famously fronted by Michael C. Hall (best known for his role as Dexter Morgan in the television show, Dexter). There are also bright moments that tend to seem to go down the same road as mainstream pop performers like Djo and Børns.

Opening with the self-titled track, Martyrs instantly shake things up with a dynamic spectacle; Church Street gives us three different looks in one song, but they all blend together perfectly.

Following Church Street, the tempo slows down with He Breaks Horses while still keeping the same intensity. I really like the blend between synth and guitars on this song. The dynamics are also balanced well from the verse to the chorus.

My favorite song on the project is definitely Twist the Cap. This is another slower tempo song, but it is highlighted by layers of dreamy synths that really give it a contemporary pop sound. It pairs with the vocals very nicely. I love how the guitar moves so well with the composition, descending with the procession.

You’ve Been Here Before and Having the Window Open Helps play as if they are one 9 minute track. There are no vocals on either trach. They have a very cinematic feel to them. EP closes with an extended version of Twist the Cap.

Final Thoughts

I was very pleasantly surprised with this EP. I’ve not heard music from Martyrs before and I am really glad to have started with this EP. Looking back, at their other bodies of work, it really feels like they have truly found a sound that is all their own. Their second album, Luminism, features much of that same fusion between today’s pop and 80’s pop. Tracks like Sunset Thinking are very comparable to Twist the Cap, for example. When this is done without growth, bands run the risk of becoming monotonous. That’s not the case with Martyrs. They exhibit growth time and time again, with each release. People are beginning to notice too.

“These songs feel steeped in distance, memory, and the bruised romance of small-town survival. Melancholic, ambitious, and quietly defiant, this is Martyrs at their most fully realized – both deeply personal and strangely universal” R*E*P*E*A*T Fanzine

While reading through their press release, I stopped to consider some of the referenced quotes from other reviews. I love that there are so many different takes. MusicLoveMusic saying it’s “A hypnotic acoustic-driven, five minute slice of heaven on earth,” and Neil March saying, “It is hard to pick out accurate reference points for music that is so fluid and creative.” I find it fascinating because I my opinion is similar in some ways and different. I do think it’s hypnotic, but I don’t think it’s acoustic driven. I think it’s driven by the layers of synth. I do think it is fluid and creative, but I am able to reference some influence. I really feel a deep connection to Djo here, as well as a general nod to 80’s pop.

Not to say these reviewers are wrong and I am right; that’s not the point I am trying to make. Everyone who listens seems to be getting something different from the music. To me, that says that what they’ve done is interesting. It’s good. It is provoking thought. As a musician, that is one of our main goals. Martyrs have done it here. They’ve done a fine job of it, in fact. I don’t know what else to say, other than go press play!