Martin Lloyd Howard releases single “Unanswered”

Hailing from Reigate, English guitarist Martin Howard has earned a reputation as a versatile and expressive musician whose work flows between classical traditions and modern stylings. Originally trained in the classical discipline, his musical journey has expanded over time to encompass folk, blues and rock, both electric and acoustic where his compositions land warm in tone and texture, blending intricate technique with a focus on storytelling.

Performing both as a solo artist and in collaboration with others, he approaches the guitar as an instrument and a voice in equal measure, one capable of expressing feeling without the need for words. Specialising in original instrumental music, Martin Howard has spent the last five years crafting a distinctive sound defined by melody, atmosphere and impressive performance talent. His recordings often highlight the interplay between acoustic and electric guitars, building delicate layers of sound that draw listeners into their emotional context.

Collaborations with other artists, including Mark Johnson, leader of the Kent-based band The Midnight River Crew, have further expanded his creative world, but it’s his solo work that reveals the true vision of his artistic expression. He first unveiled his musical output in 2020 with his debut single “The Night Train” and since then, he’s released a series of original pieces that have clocked tens of thousands of online spins.

His music connects with listeners seeking something pure and genuine via compositions that feel timeless yet ready for today’s audience. Now he brings us the perfect taste of his sound with his recent single titled “Unanswered,” a song penned and performed on his 50-year-old classical guitar. The piece distils emotional subtlety and a deep respect for the craft of guitar playing, captured in the clear tone of nylon strings played with smooth finger picking style.

“Unanswered” explores a mood of quiet contemplation and as Martin explains, the piece was written to showcase his classical instrumental style, using the guitar’s natural resonance to capture a laid-back yet questioning atmosphere. It’s a composition that balances ease and reflection, perfect for relaxed listening but engaging enough in melodic shifts and rhythmic nuances to keep the attentive ear engaged. The changes in pace and tone mirror the ebb and flow of thought itself, inviting the listener to find their own meaning within its gentle refrains.

Flowing with alluring melodic writing, moments of breezy runs flicker while passages of gentle strums maintain a soothing aesthetic, resulting in a beautiful piece of modern instrumental music that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. With every new release, Martin Howard continues to prove that instrumental music can still move and captivate audiences in profound ways and “Unanswered” offers a delightful showcase of his ability to create moments of quiet tenderness and enjoyable listening.

Listen to Unanswered below