Item: Billie Marten - Dog Eared
Rating: 4

Reviewer: Phil Taylor

Released: 18th July 2025

Label: Fiction

In the time since 2023’s ‘Drop Cherries’, Billie Marten has spent time on the road, making journeys of exploration, finding new connections, and strengthening old ones; and it’s that sense of restless collaboration which infuses the singer-songwriter’s fifth album, ‘Dog Eared’. Introducing the record with a jangly, hazy lo-fi lilt, ‘Feeling’ bonds trumpet, pedal steel guitar, piano and percussion with Billie’s crisp, easy vocals. ‘Crown’ and ‘Clover’ continue the journey in the same style, Marten singing gently but generously. There’s a feeling of being included and allowed to become part of the process here - perhaps an echo of the open-studio policy Marten embraced while recording ‘Dog Eared’ live in New York, welcoming numerous musicians to contribute. The result is a record full of richness and sparkle, layered over her modern folk writing.

In ‘No Sudden Changes’, which heralds a slight drop in pace, synths complement the sound palette while Billie’s voice explains the subtle hints which “tug at the sleeve” as life unfolds. But it’s a plucked guitar which leads to the song’s exit, providing a smooth transition into ‘The Glass’, with its flute riffs and vocal harmonies. Halfway through the song (the midpoint of the album, too), there’s a whispered count-in after a pause in proceedings - another reminder of that open studio. From here, the broad, expansive ‘Leap Year’ and similarly-paced but jazz-infused ‘Goodnight Moon’ allow a calm, careful transition to ‘Planets’, which bubbles with lightly-spiced rhythm and poetic lyrics. ‘You And I Both’ is equally picturesque, with deft lyrical touches emerging from the rootsy instrumentation. Billie saves the highest drama and greatest joy for the end, though: ‘Swing’ sounds like a skilfully curated hoe-down. With that, ‘Dog Eared’ takes its place as an LP which brightly but undramatically shines with a fresh confidence - a proficient collection of songs, elevated by myriad guest musicians and a seemingly freed spirit.

Tags: Album Reviews, Reviews, Billie Marten, Fiction