Foto/photo: Martin Wiese
Release of the new rock digital EP La Roko on 27 May 2026
Martin & la talpoj (Martin and the moles) is a music group founded by Martin Wiese, former founding member, guitarist and singer of the famous Esperanto rock band Persone.
After Persone was discontinued, Martin often performed alone, combining material from Persone’s repertoire with new compositions. Little by little, many new songs were born and at the same time the idea of starting a new project with the new music germinated to continue Persone’s mission: to create alternative pop-rock, electro-acoustic music. excellent with quality texts in Esperanto.
The new project is called Martin & la talpoj, it is more or less the solo project of Martin Wiese, supported by various musician friends who help him record his songs or also accompany him on stage (a successful and unforgettable public appearance of the Talpoj took place, among others, during KEF 2009 in Denmark and at the World Esperanto Congress 2015 in Lille, France).
Martin & la talpoj’s first album, Pli ol nenio (Better than nothing), was released by Vinilkosmo in 2007. It is an essential work. As a talented graphic designer, he drew his own portrait for the album cover.
The second album, Superbazaro (Supermarket), was released in 2014 with 14 new songs of a similar mix between intimacy and energy, acoustic and electric sounds as in the first. This time with an even higher quality production and a sound image enriched by several excellent guest musicians.
After a long break, in particular due to health problems and the Covid pandemic, Martin & la talpoj returns in 2023 with the electric EP Vestiĝoj (Vestiges), consisting of six tracks in a well-recognizable style of pop-indie/alternative rock. As always, these are all original works with text and music written and composed by Martin.
Immediately after finishing Vestiĝoj, Martin began working on a completely acoustic album, which was called Ruinoj and was released only a year later. It is an atmospheric album with an often folk-influenced sound, recognizable from acoustic pieces from previous albums. The soundscape is mainly made up of acoustic guitars and other string instruments played by Martin, enriched by the harmonious voices of Siru Laine and Inez, Martin’s daughter.
After an acoustic album, Martin decided to return to his rock roots, and recorded the album La Roko, his third album in three years. If the previous album was calm and delicate, this one stands on solid rock with electric guitars, electric bass guitar, and drums, and of course Martin’s voice, this time with a raucous, rock expression. The theme of the album was strongly influenced by the current turmoil of the world with its villains and heroes, but also more personal experiences. Those who have missed Martin’s rock side for a while will certainly welcome this fervently rocking album.
"Martin Wiese’s creation belongs to the highest achievements in Esperanto music to date."
(from a review of Superbazaro by Pablo Mojayev in La Ondo de Esperanto)
Click on his albums to listen to or download them.
