Matt Edible & The Obtuse Angels return with The Optometrist (February 14th), an album that solidifies their place as one of Yorkshire’s most creative and unpredictable forces. Following 2018’s acclaimed Stairgazing, Matt Edible’s knack for crafting memorable and stylistically diverse music reaches new heights with a fearless approach to blending genres and themes.
A product of Matt’s lo-fi DIY ingenuity and combined with contributions from bandmates John Andrew and Sarah Shiels, The Optometrist is a nine-track journey through lo-fi punk, folk, Britpop, Americana, and more. All tied together by Matt’s Northern wit and magnetic storytelling.
The lead single, “Triage,” set the tone with its Lynchian dreamscape by weaving loneliness and hope through layers of saxophones, fuzzy guitars, and soulful vocals. Matt’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with surreal imagery shines brightly. Meanwhile, “Better Than Oasis” serves as both a nostalgic love song and a playful nod to Britpop history, complete with clever lyrics and melodies reminiscent of ’90s indie gems.
But “Mirror Shoes” could be the album’s gem. Gritty and infectious, the track is oddly heavy yet dancefloor worthy.
Throughout the album, the band tackles themes that range from existential dread to societal chaos, but it’s the humor and humanity that prevent the record from feeling heavy-handed. Instead, The Optometrist offers pockets of joy and intrigue, with each track creating its own unique atmosphere. Whether diving into sharp critiques of celebrity culture or celebrating life’s absurdities, the band strikes a balance that keeps one engaged and entertained.
From the striking interplay of genres to the DIY ethos that shaped its creation, The Optometrist is a testament to Matt’s growth as a songwriter and the band’s collective chemistry.
