Review by Ionas Finser & Staff
Picture this: you’re at home, depressed and lonely, not knowing what tomorrow holds and mourning the loss of your old routines. All of a sudden, “Hold On” comes on. With its first few upbeat chords and forward-moving rhythms your mood is immediately lifted. This is unquestionably the universal mood of this bright, strength-inspiring song. Throughout, we are treated to Martha Groves Perry’s clear, satisfying voice above a rich acoustic mix. What more could you ask for?
"Hold On" presents an engaging, well-conceived track. The forward motion train-like rhythm of the guitars perfectly capture the song's message and energy taking you along for the ride. As the song progresses, a creative bridge section emerges adding a rocking guitar solo and percussive claps.
Lyrically, Perry describes a stressful, unknown situation and the impulse one often has to give up and throw in the towel. With sonic positivity and beautiful energy, the artist’s words convey a message of strength and courage.
Gotta be clear, Gotta be calm Gotta dump fear, Gotta hold on Gotta be fierce, Gotta be strong Gotta stay weird, Gotta move on.”
Perry’s message holds true to all of our lives in the present moment, while treating us to verse after verse of charming, uplifting music. Instead of capturing emotions of fear and melancholy, the artist has chosen to write music that inspires healthy change and perseverance.
After listening through this song, you will have no choice but to quarantine your fear into the darkest corner you can find and approach the day with a fresh mind. Martha Groves Perry "Hold On" is a breath of fresh air performed by a stellar artist.
Visit Martha Groves Perry's Website.
For information on These Hands, checkout the dedicated CD Website.
Listen on Soundcloud. Watch videos on Youtube Channel. Listen to tracks on Bandcamp.
About Martha Groves Perry
Martha Groves Perry is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in San Francisco, California. Her original music has a straightforward, compelling and sometimes edgy clarity with strong blues, southern rock, and experimental influences. Her penetrating lyrics, described by her producer, Kenny Schick, as “journaling in poetry,” reflect the fearless truth-telling and unbothered amusement of a seasoned, female point of view.
Some characterize Martha’s music as a cross between Tom Waits, early Gwen Stefani, and the Indigo Girls. After fronting and songwriting for MapleDream, an all-female original band, Martha began her solo career with the release in 2016 of a 4-song EP of her original music titled Something Good. Her first full-length CD These Hands released on March 1, 2020. In addition to writing and singing all of the songs on the CD, Martha recorded cello tracks for two songs as well as acoustic guitar tracks on several others.
Martha began her recording career as a cello soloist on classical, rock, and folk CDs by Michèle Sharik, Bev Barnett & Greg Newlon, and Mira Wooten. She sang backup and toured with Bev and Greg in 2007-2009, then fronted a dance cover band until 2011, when Martha left the band to start MapleDream.
As a vocalist and cellist, she toured with Michelle Shocked and has also performed with Tony Lindsay, Skip Edwards, James Nash, Jesse Brewster, Rich Armstrong, Crystal Monee Hall, Uriah Duffy, and Greg Tanner Harris. In addition to her instrumental work as a cello soloist, Martha plays piano, guitar, bass guitar, and percussion.