Scott Matthews
“I wanted to make a record that locks you in,” declares Brit singer/songwriter and quietly dazzling guitarist Scott Matthews, “something that gives you a feeling that stays with you. For me, making music is all about creating a mood.” To that end, Elsewhere, Matthews' follow-up to his well-received 2007 debut Passing Strangers, not only has that fresh, first-take spontaneity, it's also sporting a more "plugged in" sound this time around, with an eclectic array of influences and instrumentation.
Earlier tracks such as the ethereal and aptly named "Elusive" had most critics reaching for the easy Jeff Buckley or Nick Drake comparisons but for the new project names and influences as disparate as Nick Cave, David Bowie and even Led Zeppelin are being mentioned by Matthews himself. He even convinced Zep frontman and Rising Sand Grammy Winner Robert Plant to duet on the new song "12 Harps", a track that sound like it might have been lifted from some outtakes of Led Zeppelin III. "The song is very much steeped in the Zeppelin tradition," says Matthews, "it has a strange story, and it’s very mystical sounding."
The heavier feel to Elsewhere, exemplified on the densely layered rocker and first single "Fractured", still has a dreamy, retro-psychedelica side with tracks such as the pulsing, spacious "Underlying Lies" and "12 Harps" adding a more subtle vibe. “There’s a certain thread running through these songs,” Matthews states. “It became more evident the more I wrote, that there was some kind of connection. There’s a reflective mood to the album. A lot of the tracks fade out, and that was intentional: to give people a chance to reflect on what they’ve just heard.”
Elsewhere streets May 18 in the U.K. with an American release date to be determined.
Scott Matthews - "Elusive" (from Passing Strangers)
Direct Current
Reader Comments (2)
He sounds exactly like David Bowie (in his later years). Matthews' music and voice is beyond influenced by Bowie--he has completely ripped him off. How has no one accused him yet of this blatant theft? I know Bowie has mentioned the famous quote, "Good artists borrow; great artists steal," but Jesus...I don't think that Bowie would agree with that when it comes to this guy. Matthews takes it too far. It's fine to do a tribute and all, but Matthews needs to stand up and say, "I know I sound exactly like David Bowie... I did it on purpose." Does no one else out there hear what I'm hearing? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills! Come clean, Matthews, you second-rate Bowie wannabe.
It's a shame that I do like his music...maybe that's because I love the real Bowie. I just don't feel good about it at all. What a douche.
Damnit! It's Scott Matthew that I mean to rag on...just listened to the clip "Elusive" up there...not the same guy. Well, there is a Scott Matthew out there who sounds exactly like Bowie...and he's a douche. My apologies...Scott MatthewS.