“A Nightjar Calls” by Sons of Martha: Review
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
London-based Sons of Martha may be a relatively new name in the indie music scene, but their sound carries the weight of experience and deep-rooted camaraderie. Formed in 2023 by Josh Beach (vocals), the band is a tight-knit collective of longtime friends and seasoned musicians, including Tim Buckland (guitar), Steven Spencer (drums), Stephen Morgan (bass), and King Otto (piano/keys). Together, they craft melodic, introspective, and timeless music, blending the rich storytelling of REM, The Smiths, and The Go-Betweens, with hints of Lemonheads and Leonard Cohen sprinkled in.
Their latest single, A Nightjar Calls, which released on February 28, 2025, is a sweeping, reflective piece about embracing life’s fleeting nature. Inspired by the Shakespearean notion that “all the world’s a stage”, the song acknowledges that we may be further along in the act than we realized—but rather than mourning that fact, it celebrates the friendships and moments that make life meaningful.
Written by Josh Beach in the spring of 2023, A Nightjar Calls began as a raw, poetic reflection before evolving into a fully realized Sons of Martha track. Buckland’s signature wide, melodic guitar lines intertwine beautifully with Morgan’s counter-melodies on bass, while Beach’s vocals take on a resonant lower register, adding a rich, weighty texture to the song.
Compared to their earlier, more breezy and pop-driven releases, this track leans into a darker, more introspective space, evoking a mid-’80s Smiths sound—think Oscillate Wildly. There’s a beautiful simplicity in the arrangement, allowing each instrument to breathe, creating an organic and immersive listening experience.
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Recorded at Crouch End Studios in North London, A Nightjar Calls benefits from the magic of a space that has hosted The Last Dinner Party and The Waeve in recent months. The band members, all from Crouch End, Islington, and Muswell Hill, felt right at home in the studio, capturing a “live” sound that mirrors their tight-knit chemistry on stage.
Sons of Martha recently took the stage at the O2 in Islington (Jan 28th, 2025), and they’re set to bring their signature sound to the Camden Assembly on March 29th. Their passionate, high-energy performances have already garnered a loyal following, and with A Nightjar Calls, they continue to cement their place as one of London’s most exciting emerging bands.
As for the band’s essence it’s built on decades of friendship and mutual respect. Josh, Steven, Stephen, and Tim have known each other for over 25 years, and this history shines through in their music. They’re not just playing together—they’re telling stories, reflecting on life, and crafting songs that will stand the test of time.
A Nightjar Calls is a mature, poetic take on life’s fleeting moments with rich, layered instrumentation. It has a deeply personal yet universal message backed by an authentic, live-driven recording process. It’s a testament to friendship, resilience, and the power of music.
When the lights go down and the music fades, A Nightjar Calls reminds us that the world keeps turning—and we’re never truly alone.
A Nightjar Calls is available now on all major streaming platforms
