Sleep Walk EP by Martin Cilia

Continental Magazine #25

admin — Wed, 10 Jan 2018 09:59:11 +0000

Martin Cilia – SleepWalk CD-EP (Bomobra) *****

Australia’s premier surf guitarist, both as a solo artist and as a member of the modern day Atlantics, is back with an amazing 5 song EP. You can’t argue with a well-done version of the Santo & Johnny classic “Sleep Walk“, and while it’s pretty much impossible to top the original, Martin gives it a bright, modern spin, while also adding his own unique spin.

He’s developed his own sound, inspired by the past, but there is just something special that he adds to his instrumentals that is unmatched. Comparisons to the Shadows/Hank marvin recordings of the last 20 years that they were active are valid, to some extent, but Martin has his own songwriting style, and isn’t afraid to add more modern, adventurous sounds and textures to his songs. In addition to “Sleep Walk” there are 3 new songs, as well as an alternative version of “Surf Explosion” that was released recently.

If you haven’t had a chance to listen to Martin Cilia yet, this isn’t a bad way to start, once hooked you’ll want the rest of his discs! (www.martincilia.com)

What’s My Scene

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 01:39:13 +0000

by William Arnott

Martin Cilia’s latest EP is a walk along the beach with a full moon high in a starry sky above rolling waves. The EP, appropriately named Sleep Walk, is a relaxing and chill mix of instrumental surf guitar with high production values.

It begins with a cover of Santo and Johnny’s 1959 song Sleep Walk, reimagined with the twangy guitar strings. The song is nice and relaxing, becoming dreamlike at points; however, it is the weakest song on the EP. Cilia’s original songs are where his guitar skill really shines.

Search for Surf’s introduction begins with a synthesised riff that is much slower and heavy. Jim Moginie’s exotic keyboard work here is otherworldly, helping add to the dreamscape aesthetic. The twanging guitar gives a sense of solitude and sombre feel to the track, sounding almost like something out of a wild west movie by the beach.

The album begins to pick up the pace with No Sign of a Pipeline, embracing some of the surf guitar genre tropes that make you feel as if you are searching around for that next big wave. Lloyd Gyi drumming on this track really stands out and helps to give it that pace.

To break up the pace, Lost in Waikiki feels like something heard in a resort overlooking the beacon a tropical island. It’s got a nice rhythm and grove that’s easy to listen to, although it becomes slightly repetitive after a while.

Cilia saved the best till last, with the aptly titled Surf Explosion. It begins with a quiet and otherworldly synthesised sound over the sound of wind blowing. It’s so dark it could almost be in a horror movie. This buildup then leads to some of the most energetic and fast guitars in the EP.

There’s a sense of momentum in this track as if riding a gnarly wave perfectly.

You can buy the EP at martinciliasleepwalk.com

Original Link: http://whatsmyscene.com/review-scene-martin-cilia-sleep-walk-ep/

Surf Guitar 101

admin — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 01:41:17 +0000

Martin Cilia’s EP Sleepwalk – a quick impression

by Badger on August 16, 2016.

Martin Cilia’s “Sleepwalk” EP on Bombora label

Sleepwalk – This is Martin’s cover of the title track (original by Santo & Johnny), with stellar playing as well as typically lush echoes. IMO this is one of those timeless tunes (or something like it) that everyone should have in their pocket for the moment when you need to get some folks close on the dance floor. A beautiful example. Evident here, and throughout the album, rock-solid drumming by Lloyd Gyi, who should be well-known to many here by now and is an established fixture it seems now on Martin’s solo work – the guy is simply incredibly versatile.

Search for Surf – Prominently notable are some exotic keyboard/synth arrangements that really complement the guitar voicing. The tune is a bit haunting in its approach. There is a faint, chordal backing vocal credited to Carmine Warrington and the keyboard work is done by Jim Moginie. Cool stuff.

No Sign of a Pipeline – This is a driving instrumental ballad (composer Michael Simic) that reminds me of some of the best work done by Martin on the Atlantics’ albums Flight of the Surf Guitar or Point Zero. I could visualize them doing this live.

Lost in Waikiki – A Martin Cilia authored straightforward surf tune, with almost a hip Nashville-picker structure, but laden with Martin’s classic tone. I can see Brad Paisley sitting on his couch thinking he’d like to have a go at this, but he’s gonna have to call Martin first. In concept, this tune would’ve fit hand-in-glove with the previous full album release, Going to Kaleponi.

Surf Explosion – A tune I have an earlier version of and this new version has a slow, foreboding intro with some grit and lovely tremelo before launching into blistering staccato picking for the song that is one of those 200bpm E-ticket rides. In my view, the new intro really sets up the song & makes for a much more finished piece. In the tradition of things like “Flight of the Surf Guitar” this is sort of like “get in, sit down, hold on & shut up.” For those interested Martin makes the full tab & MIDI backing tracks (with and without melody) availablehere:

Martin’s stuff continues to please and his generosity, both to players in answering questions and particularly to this site, is well-known. I’m often amazed at how down-to-earth some of the really great players are – and there are many here at Surf Guitar 101 – that one has a hard time imagining that rapport existing in many other styles of music. Folks who, absent the music, you could simply have a nice chat with, whether it’s down by a canal under a city street or via email 12,000 miles away.

Sleepwalk is available here, along with the video of the title track. Get it.

Original Article: https://surfguitar101.com/news/story/1199/

Storm Surge of Reverb

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:13:37 +0000

Martin Cilia releases Sleepwalk EP

At the moment it’s only available from his site (free shipping from Australia!), though it’ll be on iTunes and CDBaby soon. His thorough production extends to his work outside the studio too– this release not only has a video and a preview soundcloud, but it’s own website.

Original Article: http://www.stormsurgeofreverb.com/content/martin-cilia-releases-sleepwalk-ep