Genre/Influences: Rock, folk, experimental, chanson.
Background/Info: Matt Howden is back on track unleashing this EP, which is the extended edit of the single (only featuring 2 songs). This extended format features three original songs plus the three same songs adapted by the ‘band’ and three remixes. Matt Howden has been joined by Estelle Varley (drums), Jamie Rupik (bass), Sean Ryan (guitar), Jake Austin (keys), Will Sandbach (synths) and the chanters: Jake Austin, Jonny Butler, Jamie Rupik, Sean Ryan, Will Sandbach and Estelle Varley.
Content: Sieben remains faithful to its familiar sound mixing folk together with rock and chanson, but I also noticed danceable kicks. Matt Howden again plays the violin in his very own and proper way, literally injecting a spirit into the songs. He also sings a charismatic way while the lyrics are once again a kind of critical perception of the world we’re living in.
The songs together with the band are easily recognizable, but they sound more elaborated by different extra layers. The remixes have been accomplished by Charlie Eades, JG Stockton and Dis The Poet.
+ + + : Matt Howden took me by surprise. I already great things by this man, but what he accomplished here is absolutely amazing. He mixes his different influences together with a danceable kick on “Kickstart”, realized a kind of B52s going folk on “Way To Harness”while revealing an astonishing B-side track on “Who Whips”. The ‘Band’-versions are easily recognizable, but adding an extra dimension to the songs. I’m once again impressed by the great and charismatic vocals of Matt Howden while his way to play the violin is unique.
– – – : My only regret that I can define it as ‘regret’, is that the remixes don’t really add a bonus compared to the original versions. This EP also deserved to have been released on CD format.
Conclusion: Matt Howden already did great things, but what he accomplished at this EP went beneath my expectations. This is a major work!
Best songs: “Way To Harness”, “Kickstart”, “Who Whips”, “Kickstart – Band”, “Who Whips – Band”.
Rate: (9).
Artist & Label: www.matthowden.com / www.facebook.com/TheMightySieben
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