If songwriting is a form of meditation to most artists, Kristen Martell’s peace-of-mind while crafting “Breathe” has managed to come through flawlessly. It’s the second single off of Martell’s upcoming album, Coming Home. Though sonically the two released tracks share many similarities, there is a certain jaded quality to “We Learn” that fails to rear its head here. Instead, Martell calmly guides herself and anyone fortunate enough to listen through life’s hardest moments.

“No need to kick and shout to get on through,” Martell sings, and she truly sticks to her guns with that line. This track is perfectly understated in a way that showcases the subtle nuances of her voice. Every note feels effortless, every line as natural as a breath of air.

Martell also harnesses the power of rhythm here. From the soft, steady thrum of the guitar, to the repetition of the lyrics, to the way she plays on the cyclical patterns in nature. This is no coincidence. Martell herself claims to be deeply inspired by nature, and lyrics about sunlight and the change of seasons definitely support that claim. 

Not a single choice made on this track appears to be anything less than deliberate. Her lifetime of songwriting is evident, despite this upcoming album being her debut.  If anything, it just goes to bolster how ingrained music and songwriting is in her very being. 

Martell wrote this song as a beacon of light to guide troubled listeners, and that intention is never once clouded. The track is pure tranquility. If you’re going through a moment of crisis, this song will do wonders to quell whatever storm is brewing inside your head. Martell’s soothing mantra of, “just breathe in and breathe out, you’ve got this,” will start to do the trick before you even realize. 

Kristen Martell’s upcoming album, Coming Home, is set to be released in April, 2020.

Tour Dates:
02.15.20 – Lunenburg, NS @ Ironworks Distillery
02.22.20 – Lunenburg, NS @ Ironworks Distillery

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Photo: Average Jane