Recently, I’ve had the chance to spend time with the recent singles from UK artist Matt Adey. Matt first came to the attention of the general public when a track was picked up by DJ Armin Van Buuren and included on a compilation, remixed by Simon Patterson. The new tracks don’t go down a dance path – instead, they hue close to the singer / songwriter genre, as filtered through a Britpop sensibility. Production is being overseen by Chris Potter – known for his work with The Verve and Richard Ashcroft. These songs are simply stunning and whet the listener’s appetite for more. Matt and his team have a unique roll out strategy for the album – a track at a time until the album in full is available down the road (expected in 2020). So, this write up is based on the singles released thus far. And based on those tracks, Matt Adey is a name to watch in the music realm.
Broken Wing has an uplifting introduction with subtle, New Wave synth. Vocally, Matt starts off crooning, which allows the chorus to soar when he gives full throated delivery. Lyrically, the song talks about not being dragged down and moving forward. “You are not your broken wing” is a memorable chorus with a hook that’ll have you singing along. In a Different World has an Echo & the Bunnymen vibe that I found quite alluring. Again, Matt is speaking to matters of the heart in a truly inspiring way. The production allows each instrument space and the way the vocals are layered makes an impact. Fantastic stuff. “Goodbye / Goodbye my love…”. You guessed it; you’ll be singing that refrain after a few spins. Love Is Not a Game carries on with the high quality of offerings, an alternative pop hit in a perfect world. Dare I say, The Beatles came to mind during the la la la lead up to the chorus. Killer tune. I’m not 100% sure if The Girl I Should Have Loved is going to be on Love and Deeper Cuts, but it was a song I kept returning to as I listened to everything I could get my hands on by Matt Adey. It is a slower song than the others with some inspired piano playing. A ballad to offset the other tunes. The last minute or so of the song has impassioned singing, soaring strings, and lyrics seeped in despair.
You can follow Matt Adey here. The tracks are all out now, streaming on all the major services. I’m looking forward to the forthcoming full length based on the strength of these song. Highly recommended.
Verdict: Singles Going Steady
For Fans of: Echo & the Bunnymen, The Church, The Psychedelic Furs, Tears for Fears