GENRE; Instrumental/ Classical/ Indie Folk/ Acoustic
RELEASE DATE; 31 December, 2025
RATING; 4/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I just listened to Selene, the new solo guitar piece by Martin Lloyd Howard, and honestly, it’s kind of magical. It’s in G minor, which is not a common key for guitar, and that gives the track this quiet, mysterious vibe. Howard says he was inspired by a painting of the moon his wife did, and you can totally feel that imagery while listening, the instrumental track really does feel like pale moonlight moving across clouds. Plus, it’s played on a fifty-year-old classical guitar, and you can hear every little nuance in the tone; it’s warm, clear, and just…alive.
What I love is how it feels both classical and modern at the same time. Howard’s classical background is obvious in the way he shapes each note, but there’s a little folk and blues sneaking in, making it approachable for anyone, not just guitar aficionados. The melody flows gently, with small twists that keep it interesting. It’s calming but never boring, the kind of piece that makes you just stop and really listen.
Even though it’s solo, you can feel Howard’s experience with other styles coming through. He’s played electric guitars, collaborated with other musicians, and experimented with different genres, but here it’s stripped down to one instrument, and it works perfectly. Every note feels intentional, thoughtful, and expressive, like he’s speaking directly through the guitar.
You can find Selene on SoundCloud, YouTube, and Spotify, and I’d recommend giving it a listen with headphones if you can. It’s the kind of track that sticks with you—not flashy, but quietly unforgettable. If you enjoy guitar music that’s a little different, emotional, and just downright beautiful, this one’s for you.
