In her third release, Martha Groves Perry’s songwriting takes a decidedly bold turn, speaking clearly about hard truths with her characteristic insight and humor. Her lyrics are poetry, evoking strong visual and tactile imagery. Captivating melodic hooks, precise harmonies, and incisive commentary on herself and the world as she sees it combine with fat, intoxicating, badass Americana grooves created in partnership with producer Kenny Schick of Basement 3 Productions in Nashville. Flavors of PJ Harvey, Tom Waits, Tom Petty, and traditional Americana fuse in genre-bending performances, completed by Perry’s expansive and compelling vocal palette that has been compared to Natalie Merchant. Call Out pulls no punches, even in its softer moments, and is an important offering among the music of 2023.
Call Out 