Martina and the Moons Starfish Social Club EP Review
By Dublin’s Martina and the Moons Shine Bright on Debut EP
Dublin-based four-piece Martina and the Moons have just dropped their debut EP, Starfish Social Club, a sparkling introduction that proves they can make intimacy feel effortless. The band pairs bright, hook-laden indie-rock melodies with lyrics that delicately trace the small, meaningful moments that stitch everyday life together, creating songs that are at once personal and universally relatable.
Behind the boards, Ruadhri Cushnan—whose resume includes Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons, and Snow Patrol—and Elise Mollé helped capture that magic at Camden Studios. The production balances polish with intimacy, letting the band’s charm shine through without ever feeling overworked.
The opening track, ‘Higher Than A Hawk’ bursts into life with an infectious sense of momentum, as a crisp, driving drum beat collides with warm, jangling guitars. At the centre of it all is Martina Moon’s vocals — light, expressive and quietly confident, carrying a natural, unforced charm. There’s a gentle swirl to the track as it unfolds, each element feeding into the next and giving it the feeling of a journey rather than a straight line. As opening statements go, ‘Higher Than A Hawk’ does exactly what it needs to do — it grabs you, lifts you, and sets the tone.
“There’s a quiet magic in ‘Ban on Glitter’ Martina’s vulnerable vocals weave through rich, textured guitars, light and airy, pulling you straight into a daydream. One of my favourites, no question.”
Their recent single ‘Laundry Mat’ steals the spotlight on the EP, and for good reason. It’s a powerhouse anthem, brimming with swagger and raw energy, its lyrics capturing life’s frustrations: ‘Well, I’ve been feeling a little bit lonely / A little bit lost / A little bit lonely.’ It’s honest, it’s relatable, and it hits hard.”
‘Baby Turtle’ closes the EP with a fragile, aching beauty. The vocals tremble with emotion, the guitar wails with quiet sadness, and I’ll admit—it’s my least favourite track, only because it makes me feel so damn melancholy. But maybe that’s the point: music isn’t always meant to cheer you up.”
Tracks
01 Higher Than A Hawk
02 Interlude
03 Ban On Glitter
04 Laundry Mat
05 Baby Turtle
Verdict
I often think it’s harder for an artist to release an EP than a full album. With four or five songs, every track must land; with an album, you can usually let one or two slip. Starfish Social Club, however, hits the mark on every single track.
Fronted by Scotland-born, Spanish-raised Martina Moon (vocals/songwriting), the band also features Sarah Morgan (guitar), Ruby Levins (bass) and Zahira Ellis (drums), bringing a fresh urgency to Dublin’s indie scene.