One of our new music staples MatAre is back with some more fresh sounds to kick off our February. The Atlanta multi-instrumentalist and producer has built up a reputation for his darkwave, shoegaze and synth-forward tracks that perfectly bridge the gap between nostalgic romanticism and modern melancholia. While he’s not one for dramatics, his latest single, ‘When Alone’, leans even further into restraint, which results in a track that’s meditative, purposeful and intimate.
Recorded in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, during a snowstorm, MatAre took inspiration from that seasonal shift in order to explore what happens when you’re forced to slow down. Taking a cue from those frost-laden streets and eerily abandoned shores, this track evokes an otherworldly stillness with simple guitar melodies, subtle synth textures and relaxed percussion.
Beyond aesthetics, this set-back soundscape allows MatAre‘s thoughts to flow more freely, as he ponders his life stuck between two states. One line that stands out to us is, “sometimes I just can’t tell if I’m leaving or if I’m going,” as it shows the significance of slight changes in our perspective. As the track progresses, this artist offers no easy solutions, instead he allows his lyrics to sit open-ended.
Towards the end, ‘When Alone’ rolls into an extended psychedelic refrain, which typifies MatAre‘s current ethos: “Not every song needs to arrive somewhere. Some songs are just about staying somewhere.”
Expanding on the dreamy multi-genre world that this artist has crafted through his previous releases, ‘When Alone’ is a tantalising insight into the upcoming EP, Brevity. Consider this your official invitation to enjoy the ride.
You can listen to ‘When Alone’ in our Indie Rockers playlist.
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