New Music: The Martyr – Under The Belljar

Under The Belljar leaves just enough mystery within the lyrics as to whether it’s referring to Sylvia Plath or not. Either way, it’s a captivating number.

Los Angeles post-punk outfit The Martyr allow the lyrics that room so that while you can read it as a commentary on the stormy relationship Plath had with Ted Hughes, the relationship breakdown within the lyrics pick up on incidents and emotions that many can sadly identify with.

And while the band does give space in the arrangement for the hazy tones of West Coast post-punk associated with acts like Drab Majesty and Creux Lies, Under The Belljar pushes that sonic envelope towards less forgiving territory. There is no neat resolution here; Killing Joke and Chameleons influences in the arrangement reinforce that, coiling its air of loss around the listener.

Under The Belljar and previous releases by The Martyr can be heard on Bandcamp and Spotify. For band updates and other listening alternatives for their music, follow the band on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.