Durham band Martha give us a taste of their second album

Durham DIY punks Martha have unveiled the first taste of their forthcoming second album - and it's 'vintage'.
Durham DIY punk band Martha release their second album in July.Durham DIY punk band Martha release their second album in July.
Durham DIY punk band Martha release their second album in July.

The band, who come from Pity Me, play energetic, impassioned power pop, laced with intricate vocal interplay and clever four-part harmonies.

Their debut album, 2014's Courting Strong, was listed by many taste-makers as among their favourite releases of the year.

Bassist Naomi Griffin stars in the video for the lead single, Goldman's Detective Agency.Bassist Naomi Griffin stars in the video for the lead single, Goldman's Detective Agency.
Bassist Naomi Griffin stars in the video for the lead single, Goldman's Detective Agency.
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Now their follow-up, Blisters In The Pit Of My Heart, is due out in July via Fortuna POP! in the UK and Europe and Dirtnap Records in the US.

It explores the difficulties in staying political, passionate and punk over the course of 11 expertly-crafted pop songs.

The band consists of J. Cairns (guitar), Daniel Ellis (guitar), Naomi Griffin (bass), and Nathan Stephens Griffin (drums). All four members write and sing the songs.

The lead single, Goldman's Detective Agency, sees the band run amok in a vintage clothes shop.

Martha will play gigs in Durham and Sunderland in July to promote the new record.Martha will play gigs in Durham and Sunderland in July to promote the new record.
Martha will play gigs in Durham and Sunderland in July to promote the new record.
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It demonstrates the band’s more playful side as they re-imagine 19th century anarchist Emma Goldman as a private eye vanquishing corrupt cops and politicians.

Bassist Naomi goes undercover as a “fashion detective” to solve a mystery at a vintage store, while the band’s gleeful, socially-conscious pop-punk blares in the background.

If the band's first album was about punks growing up, the second is about grown-ups staying punk, and takes inspiration from artists as diverse as The Replacements, Heart, Billy Bragg, Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, The Go-Gos and Radiator Hospital.

Martha will be playing around the UK this summer, including a hometown gig at Alington House in Durham on Thursday, 14 July, and at the Summer Streets Festival in Sunderland two days later.