Unveiling a memorable rock sound amidst perspectives of personal identity and the oft-elusive power of creativity, UltraTerrestrial is the latest album from Atlanta-based artist Herman Martinez. The release marks another success from Martinez, who first caught our ears in 2021 with the alt-rock single “Days Without” and then again last year with the epic album Immortal Jellyfish. UltraTerrestrial plays as his strongest collection of songwriting yet. “This album was influenced by the usual ghosts of creativity,” Martinez says of the release.
The album’s first single, “Changeling” stirs with its array of soaring guitar work and moody vocal introspections, ruminating on themes of not recognizing oneself through changes. “Mouth is full of the voices I steal,” Martinez’s immersive vocals let out, further capturing a fractured sense of identity: “Every line a different handwriting / More disguises for plain sight hiding.” The ascent to the four-minute turn is especially gripping, as layered vocals and fervent guitar work swells into a murky intrigue. The ensuing “Thagomizer” also captivates, evolving from shimmering acoustics and twinkling piano into a second half with rock-ready ardor, while lyrics suggest a shift from self-alienation to personal reclamation, in discovering “the reasons why we live” through contemplation and art.
Another standout track, “Unreliable Narrator” artfully explores a balance between memory and self-deception, while a mixture of wailing guitars and pit-pattering rhythms craft a psych-friendly allure. “I was right every time but was wrong about time / Stretching hours into years to leave it all behind,” Martinez sings, marveling at life’s quick passage whilst questioning the accuracy of one’s own perspective. “Photographic Reflexes” consumes as well, tugging at the heart with its interplay of guitars, piano, and subtle string-laden appeal. UltraTerrestrial is another immersive success from Herman Martinez.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
