Artist Review: Matthew & the Atlas, Other Rivers
Artist: Matthew & the Atlas
Album: Other Rivers
Genre: Soulful Folk Pop
RIYL: Bon Iver, Ray LaMontagne, David Gray
There has always seemed to be an air of mystery surrounding the earthy sounding soulful folk pop sound of UK outfit Matthew & the Atlas, led by Matthew Hegarty. Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons described Hegarty’s voice as a cross between Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne, and it’s hard to argue a more accurate comparison. But Hegarty’s lyricism and demeanor separates him from those artists beyond that point; especially in the case of Iver where the haunting (and often depressing) but beautiful arrangements often bottomed out in the hollow. Instead, what Hegarty accomplishes with Matthew & the Atlas’ debut album Other Rivers is to instill a form of hopefulness alongside the honesty.
“Pale Sun Rose” (video below) is a perfect example of the balance Hegarty finds between weariness and a hopeful soulfulness that compliments his husky vocal style. This song in particular finds a modern troubadour singing with searing emotion backed with an electronic beat. It’s quintessentially English; and bears some resemblance to the big, full depths that David Gray explores by combining folk music with a more pop-like accompaniment. “To The North” and “Counting Paths” both push even further in that direction, allowing Hegarty to open up dynamically while remaining grounded lyrically. It’s that steady, unique vocal that provides the consistency that makes all the tracks on Other Rivers shine.
“Everything That Dies” is a standout track, employing a deep and near dirgelike melody that’s perfectly pitched with the even keel of a monotonous and slowly-building background track. Here, Hegarty’s vocals are the star of the show, and the simplicity and strength is stunning. And even here with a message that should feel mournful (“You said everyone you know/one day will surely die/but everything that dies in some way returns”) instead comes off as expectant and full of possibility. “Old Ceremony” is another gorgeously crafted track that emotes even when Hegarty isn’t singing; the ebb and flow of this taps a little further into the darker corners of his songwriting, but delivers again on that aspirational journey Other Rivers takes its listeners on.
As nearly any debut album, this isn’t perfect. And in fact, Matthew & the Atlas will not appeal to everyone. It seems unlikely that Hegarty and Co. will break through in the same way that Iver or even Mumford have; which is probably how it should be. This isn’t an album for easy consumption, but it’s worth the effort put into listening to it fully. Other Rivers does, however, mark a massive step forward off the precipice of Hegarty’s true potential. There is much more to come, of that I’m certain. He has something to offer that’s unique in a musical world that desperately needs artists of this caliber. And perhaps continuing to fly somewhat under the radar will allow both the writing and lyricism to continue to bloom.
Matthew & the Atlas website: http://matthewandtheatlas.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_matthew_the_atlas_other_rivers)
Album: Other Rivers
Genre: Soulful Folk Pop
RIYL: Bon Iver, Ray LaMontagne, David Gray
There has always seemed to be an air of mystery surrounding the earthy sounding soulful folk pop sound of UK outfit Matthew & the Atlas, led by Matthew Hegarty. Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons described Hegarty’s voice as a cross between Bon Iver and Ray LaMontagne, and it’s hard to argue a more accurate comparison. But Hegarty’s lyricism and demeanor separates him from those artists beyond that point; especially in the case of Iver where the haunting (and often depressing) but beautiful arrangements often bottomed out in the hollow. Instead, what Hegarty accomplishes with Matthew & the Atlas’ debut album Other Rivers is to instill a form of hopefulness alongside the honesty.
“Pale Sun Rose” (video below) is a perfect example of the balance Hegarty finds between weariness and a hopeful soulfulness that compliments his husky vocal style. This song in particular finds a modern troubadour singing with searing emotion backed with an electronic beat. It’s quintessentially English; and bears some resemblance to the big, full depths that David Gray explores by combining folk music with a more pop-like accompaniment. “To The North” and “Counting Paths” both push even further in that direction, allowing Hegarty to open up dynamically while remaining grounded lyrically. It’s that steady, unique vocal that provides the consistency that makes all the tracks on Other Rivers shine.
“Everything That Dies” is a standout track, employing a deep and near dirgelike melody that’s perfectly pitched with the even keel of a monotonous and slowly-building background track. Here, Hegarty’s vocals are the star of the show, and the simplicity and strength is stunning. And even here with a message that should feel mournful (“You said everyone you know/one day will surely die/but everything that dies in some way returns”) instead comes off as expectant and full of possibility. “Old Ceremony” is another gorgeously crafted track that emotes even when Hegarty isn’t singing; the ebb and flow of this taps a little further into the darker corners of his songwriting, but delivers again on that aspirational journey Other Rivers takes its listeners on.
As nearly any debut album, this isn’t perfect. And in fact, Matthew & the Atlas will not appeal to everyone. It seems unlikely that Hegarty and Co. will break through in the same way that Iver or even Mumford have; which is probably how it should be. This isn’t an album for easy consumption, but it’s worth the effort put into listening to it fully. Other Rivers does, however, mark a massive step forward off the precipice of Hegarty’s true potential. There is much more to come, of that I’m certain. He has something to offer that’s unique in a musical world that desperately needs artists of this caliber. And perhaps continuing to fly somewhat under the radar will allow both the writing and lyricism to continue to bloom.
Matthew & the Atlas website: http://matthewandtheatlas.com/
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_matthew_the_atlas_other_rivers)
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