The focus for Martin Colgan’s lead single ‘Last Boat to St.Helena’, on his new album, surrounds the theme of isolation. Both the idea that we as a collective have been isolating but also that the island itself has always, and will always, be in a constant state of isolation.
The repetition of the word ‘isolation’ makes it apparent to the listener the emotion of loneliness is being expressed but also the feeling of peace and tranquillity when Martin sings about sun and calm waters.
The lyrics that are sung by Colgan present a very serene atmosphere that can suddenly turn rough and stormy. The beautiful and sunny view of the island can become wet and wild at the flick of a switch.
The irrational weather connotes a metaphor of the emotions felt in isolation by Colgan. The island itself gives the lyrics on the track a deeper, more evocative meaning; they really represent the emotions felt by us all.
As well as a multi-talented musician playing the classical guitar, cello, piano, violin and numerous other instruments, Colgan can sing fluently in Italian, Spanish and French. A prolific songwriter who lives and breathes music, Martin studied flamenco and classical guitar in Scotland under the teachings of the legendary French virtuoso Manitas de Plata.
Colgan restructured his musical compositions to be more classically based which included tributes dedicated to the likes of Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Jacques Henri Lartique. The album ‘Last Boat To St. Helena’ is a return to his alternate rock roots, demonstrating his musicianship once more where he has produced, arranged & performed on all tracks.
This is released via Hummdrumm Records, run by Ronny Anderson who has also contributed lyrics to the album.
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Author: Meghan Glover