encore introducing/track of the week ~ 'animals' ~ norma jean martine

Name: Norma Jean  Martine

Genre: Indie-Pop
For Fans Of: Haim, Lana Del Rey, Paloma Faith
Location: London

If there's one place on Earth which captures the wild nature of human existence to a tee, it is of course, New York City. Given the choice of one fast emerging young pop star to carry that tag, you'd be wise to choose Norma Jean Martine; a dreamer, a Yankee and one of the best performers in the UK today.

Carving a name for herself primarily as a songwriter, Martine launched her own pop career around September 2011 after moving to London. A rigorous gigging schedule and constant writing sessions soon lead to her being picked up by Universal Records, and on latest single 'Animals' you really understand why.

The dark track (from an upcoming EP of the same name) feels like Adele dueting with Calafornian sisters Haim ~ swaggering, indie pop wrapped within Martine's unmistakable smokey vocal. There's pop hooks galore on show here, treading the line between radio sheen and cool party atmosphere perfectly. It's a cool track, Urban Outfitters/Topshop cool, a difficult bracket to break into.

Having written pure-pop for the likes of Pussycat Doll's Ashley Roberts in the past (see here), a genre she does so well, Martine's decision to release 'Animals' puts her ahead of her songwriting contemporaries quite considerably. An 80's inspired, alternative pop song, 'Animals' chugging electric guitars and honest lyrics are a beautiful reminder that keeping the dream alive will always be worth it in the long run.

Taylor Johnson