Single Release       ‘The Eyes Of Others’, 17 April 2025

Album re-release   ‘Split The Air’, 15 May 2025

After seeing a poster at the National Mining Museum Scotland that read ‘Brass in the Park, this Saturday,’ multi-instrumentalist and composer Martin Green discovered one of the most inspiring social music-making acts he’d ever witnessed. Best known as the virtuoso accordionist in the visionary folk trio Lau, Green uncovered a self-sustaining world of music, that, much like the folk tradition, had retained its social function and was woven into the fabric of the communities that performed it. What followed was an extraordinary four-year odyssey that took him deep into the world of brass bands. First came his 2022 three-part documentary series for BBC Radio 4, Banding: Love, Spit, and Valve Oil, listened to by millions and nominated for numerous awards it showcased the virtuosity and passion of the brass band community revealing stories of the historic miners’ strike. Next came his riveting audio drama about a talented but troubled young horn player, Keli. Then, in 2024, giving full vent to his newfound passion, he released his critically acclaimed album Split the Air, demonstrating his formidable skill in writing for brass. Exclusive live performances featuring full brass bands and narration followed, with the shows being hailed as “profoundly moving.”

Now, in its latest chapter, The Eyes Of Others is released as a stand-alone single on 17 April as a companion piece to Split the Air which will be re-released on vinyl on 15 May.  Both coincide with Green’s ambitious new theatre production, KELI (written by, and with music composed by Martin Green (directed by Bryony Shanahan and produced by National Theatre of Scotland and Lepus Productions), which tours throughout Scotland in May and June. Split the Air, The Eyes Of Others and Keli all mark the 40th anniversary in March 2025 of the end of the miners’ strike when collieries across the UK shut down in protest at the government’s plans for mass closures, a theme that underpins the many facets of Green’s ever-evolving project.

Written and composed by Martin Green, The Eyes of Others features the voice and guitar of Louis Abbott, best known as the frontman for Scottish folk-indie group Admiral Fallow, alongside the cream of Scotland’s brass. Described by Green as “New Orleans meets the coalpits of the Central Belt,” the song captures a sense of vulnerability in Abbot’s warm, emotive voice, which, when paired with Green’s lush, dreamy brass-band arrangements, creates a song that is both heartfelt and rousing.

The music of Split the Air, newly released on red vinyl, draws deeply from the rich history of British banding, yet it is never encumbered by the past. Often stripped down to a single instrument, notably the tenor horn of guest Sheona White whose extraordinary control brings a haunting lyricism to these intimate passages, leading the ensemble into new territory.  Green’s deep connection to the diverse characters in the world of brass bands shapes the strong narrative, drama, and psychology of the music. He skilfully harnesses the full force of the ensemble thrillingly felt in teeth rattling dissonance and majestic resolution. Green’s dedication to understanding brass band culture has opened new possibilities for its future.