The debut EP is here from the young Hull band and the eagerness for this next stage, was ever-present when interviewing them back in the Spring. Here we find the group rerecording previously released songs and also offer us where Harrison and co are at now, with two new songs. The Matchbox are one of many bands that have been coming out from the city of Hull, with so many showing promise. Its honestly so fantastic to see the quality keep pouring out from the area and this debut EP indicates how the band have improved and where they are heading next!
‘Do You Wanna’ opens the EP and the very good griff echos through our ears in a more improved and better sounding way; for fans of the band it is a ‘GETTT INN’ moment for sure! The bluesy like melody is catchy as hell and with the new backing vocals and keyboard, it does become a lot of fun that gives the track more weight to it. As mentioned the riff is solid but the rhythm section shines phenomenally, the bass is clear and confident which rides with the awesome drumming.
We are then offered a new song! ‘Spit Me Out’ comes in with a rocky guitar riff and crashing drums, then vocals coming in which offers a slight vulnerable mood to the track. The hook itself is good and you can hear the improvement in the songwriting, obviously the Catfish and The Bottlemen influence on the boys can be heard very clear on this one and is thoroughly enjoyable (that ending..NME Stage at Reading and Leeds vibes here!). ‘Red Eyes’ struts in so well and again, the bass playing is very impressive and pushes this song along so well. With just like the opener of ‘Scruffy Love’, its great to hear the older songs sounding fresher and in a way more sophisticated.
Next is the song that the EP is named after, which is the first ‘stripped back’ song we have heard from The Matchbox. It is a very typical indie sounding number, possibly a nod to the acoustic songs of Blossoms and Catfish. It is the electric guitar that really gives this song depth, giving that feel of hope and dismay over the ‘Scruffy Love’ that is being sung here. The EP closes with a song that has to be on a future FIFA in ‘Strong’…that opening leaves me feeling like Im sprinting towards the goal with Ronaldo!!! The melody is again strong with the chorus and that guitar playing being top notch, it is very impressive and the little chimes in the middle eight, nice touch lads.
Written by Tom Bedding (@bringmethemusic_)
Comments