Posts Tagged ‘Bad Contestant’

MATT MALTESE – ” Less and Less “

Posted: November 25, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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Matt Maltese’s piano-centric, self-described “Brexit pop” sound is marked by his baritone croon, songs of love and heartache, post-modern gripes and velvet-cloaked metaphors of apocalypse. His lounge-style piano, bouncy guitar licks and cheery brass are tried and true—a solid, classic counterpunch to whip-smart lyrics firmly rooted in the present. His latest single “Less and Less” is one of the most somber, understated numbers on his recent album Bad Contestant, as it chronicles a couple’s gradual growing apart with smooth vocals, elegant keys and chorus-like backing vocals. Maltese comes to the conclusion that even fond, nostalgic memories brought upon by familiar scenes aren’t enough to heal a relationship meant to end. The video was directed by Maltese’s longtime collaborator Sam Hiscox, who also created the visuals for another album track, “As The World Caves In.” This new video tells the story of two people who live under the same roof, but are dealing with inverse feelings of heartbreak and closure

MATT MALTESE – ” Bad Contestant “

Posted: June 10, 2018 in CLASSIC ALBUMS, MUSIC
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British but born to Canadian parents, and a focal point of the vibrant South London scene which includes Shame, HMLTD and Goat Girl to name but a few, Matt’s acerbic, witty songwriting brought attention from The FADER, The Guardian, Interview Magazine, NME, DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, and a score of other titles both online and in print throughout 2017.

The Berkshire don helped to create a genre this year: schmaltzcore, caramel-smooth jazz-pop whose purveyors include Tom Misch and Rex Orange County. Sounds like Jamie Cullum, but cool, you know? On his damn fine debut album, Maltese has crafted near-perfect piano pop with whip-smart lyrics (“Some people think the Earth is flat / But if it were / How come I don’t see you anywhere?”) and the occasional boogie-woogie flourish (we heard Jools Holland smashed up his Steinway in a jealous rage when he heard the funky final 30 seconds of ‘Guilty’). ‘Bad Contestant’ is smooth as silk wrapped around a razorblade.

21 year-old South London artist Matt Maltese brings his debut album Bad Contestant – set for release on 1st June via Atlantic Records.

The record, a culmination of 12 days spent in Foxygen instigator Jonathan Rado’s Los Angeles studio and many hours of sessions with Londoner Alex Burey, displays a no-less-than stunning leap forward in songwriting confidence from the already critically acclaimed young musician.

Credited with steering the lush sounding debut albums from Whitney and the Lemon Twigs, as well as Father John Misty’s forthcoming material, Jonathan Rado has helped drench the record with Californian atmospherics, drawing out Matt’s sweetly drifting vocals over a swell of jubilant guitars, brass and drums. Featuring reworked versions of fan favourites and previous singles ‘Strange Time’ and ‘As The World Caves In’ amongst nine beautiful new tracks, Bad Contestant is a grand coming-of-age album packed with Matt’s typically complex, witty melancholy and uplifting melodies.