I had the pleasure of attending one of Al Matcott’s SXSW Sydney shows last month and was thoroughly impressed by both his live performance and songwriting. Just in time for sun-filled days, particularly here in the Southern Hemisphere, the Naarm (Melbourne) based artist recently unveiled his debut album, Summer’s Coming.
What stands out about Al’s SXSW Sydney set and Summer’s Coming is the diverse range of his songwriting. There are moments of surf-punk rock vibes, evident in tracks like the bass-heavy “Four Walls”, “Knight of Cups”, and “Summer’s Coming”, as well as a bluesy soul in “O My Darling”. It’s not just Al’s sound that exhibits diversity, but also his perspective, whether embodying a vampire in “Eyes” or channelling Mother Earth herself in “Dead Already,” “Everyone’s Gonna Let You Down,” and “Summer’s Coming.”
Regarding climate crisis, Al emphatically states:
What is happening to Mother Earth should be viewed as an act of violence.
Recorded in Melbourne, Sydney, and the Blue Mountains, Summer’s Coming is a milestone for Al, who transitioned from being a drummer, guitarist, and singer in various bands to a solo artist in 2021. If there was any trepidation in his decision to go solo, the success and acclaim of his earlier releases should dispel any fears as they signal a triumph in artistic evolution.
While Summer’s Coming could have been a seasonal album fixated on a specific mood, sound, or narrative, Al has successfully created an album that transcends that singular notion. The songs are an exploration of the human experience, resonating with themes that span mindfulness, the pressing reality of climate change, tarot cards, the complexities of women’s work, and much more.
In Summer’s Coming, Al Matcott not only delivers a musical journey through diverse genres and perspectives but also boldly addresses urgent global issues. In an era where music often serves as a mirror to society, Summer’s Coming stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful songwriting, inviting listeners to reflect not only on the changing seasons but on the profound changes echoing in our world.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “Four Walls”, “Everyone’s Going to Let You Down”, “Dead Already”, “Eyes”, “Knight of Cups”, “Summer’s Coming”
A small clip of Al’s SXSW Sydney set
