7/10

On 'man oh man !', Martin Luke Brown unveils a deeply personal and unfiltered collection of songs that feel like pages torn straight from his journal, marking a pivotal moment in both his artistic evolution and personal life. Themes of masculinity, self-discovery, love, heartbreak, and the quiet beauty of life’s simplest moments thread through each track, creating an intimate and affecting body of work.

Describing the album as a “time capsule,” Brown approached the recording process with a sense of immediacy where each song was written and recorded in a single day. This gives 'man oh man '! an undeniable authenticity, embracing imperfections and capturing raw emotion in its purest form. Working alongside producer Matt Zara, the duo leaned into analogue recording techniques, using tape machines and vintage microphones to preserve the organic warmth and spontaneity of the sessions.

Leading up to the album’s release, tracks like 'to be a man', 'animal', 'this is me now', and 'hello !' introduced us to this next phase of Brown’s journey. Highlighted by focus track 'back 2 ya', he explores a heartfelt tribute to the friendships that have anchored him through life’s highs and lows. Written for his FIZZ bandmates, the song encapsulates the emotional whirlwind of shared experiences, celebrating the transition from collaborators back to simply being friends.

With 'man oh man !', Martin Luke Brown delivers a truly wondrous spectacle. By embracing imperfection and leaning into instinct, he crafts a record that is as raw as it is cathartic, solidifying his place as one of the most compelling storytellers of his generation.