Description
Big Crown Records is proud to present the sophomore full-length from Les
Imprimes, Fading Forward. Spearheaded by self taught multi-instrumentalist and
producer Morten Martens, this album explores mortality, escapism, and a
myriad of experiences associated with love.
Martens made a tremendous impression with his highly acclaimed 2023 debut
Rverie and has since cultivated a diehard fanbase whose demographics are as
wide-ranging as the influences that shape his music. He mixes tones from 60s
and 70s Soul with arrangement nods to Doo-Wop records, takes drum energy
from Hip-Hop, and covers the whole thing with vocal stylings from 90s & 2000s
Alternative. But it is Martens lyrics, emotion, and delivery that truly bring
everything together and help him stand out from his peers. Theres an infectious-
ness and pop sensibility in the writing that is executed with utmost class and
taste, giving Les Imprims the rare quality of immediate attraction that only
deepens the more you listen.
Hailing from Kristiansand, Norway, Martens plays nearly every instrument on
Fading Forward, produces and arranges the album, and of course sings. “It’s
soul music, but I don’t exactly have the soul voice,” Morten explains humbly.
“But I do it my own way, in a way that’s mine.”
Album opener You & I is Morten’s homage to his partner who sticks it out
through the chaos and the blunders with him. Punchy drums and cascading
pianos make this one a proper two-stepper and an anthem for those lucky
enough to find someone who understands them and helps in the parts of life they
need it. Again & Again slows the pace and deals with the heavier side of love
& life as Martens professes his resilience through the mishaps, the heartbreak,
and the let downs of love affairs gone wrong. Untainted Love brings the sweet
side of new love center stage with a tune that plays on the title of the Gloria
Jones classic. Get Lost leans into the metaphysical with an invitation to leave
reality behind and spend time with Les Imprims, where theres room to dream.
Only Love is built over a gritty drum break with a chorus that is simple yet
profound, and the arrangement gives it the energy of a mantra. They turn to the
dancefloor on With You, an uptempo, uplifting tune about a fleeting encounter
that leaves you pining for more. Martens longs for her, but joyfully, as if just
remembering such a connection is possible is what he really needed. Martens
is joined by guest vocalist Ama Li on Miss The Days, a slow burning ballad
that reckons back to simpler times when love was in a better place. Fading
Forward closes on a wholly somber note with Paradise, a tune that wishes
freedom and peace to a friend who passed away.
In the small town of Kristanland, Norway there is a huge talent who spent most
of his life laying low and playing the background. Signing to New Yorks Big
Crown Records inspired Morten Martens to start sharing his own music. The
response to his debut Rverie pushed him right out of the studio and onto the
stage and all of this has served as inspiration to push his artistry to new heights.
New heights that are on full display on Fading Forward.
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