Suffolk boy Matthew P is an artist whose work most know without realising, well certainly one of his tunes unless TV is a non starter for you. He is the guy behind the song She Began To Dance now more commonly known as Girl On The Platform and the only decent thing about the Match.com advert. There is much more to the singer songwriter though which his debut album Long Straight Lines more than proves. It is a release which though it does not fire up the heart to heights of adoration is impossible not to like. Some tracks find a fuller welcome than others but as whole the album is an enjoyable stroll through the warm personal heart and imagination of its creator and a soundtrack to a warm caressing summer we in the UK can only dream of right now.
Matt is steadily and consistently building a strong reputation as a song writer, his two EPs Swimming and The Breakfast of 2010 and 2011 respectively as well as writing songs with the likes of Joel Pott (Athlete), Iain Archer (Snow Patrol) and the Hoosiers, all drawing increasing acclaim and appetite for his eclectic creativity as has his successful sharing of stages on tour with people like Reef and Stereophonics. Long Straight Lines is the next step and it is hard to imagine anything other than an eagerness flying its way upon release July 23rd through YDNA Records.
The album offers up twelve varied songs which move through folk and acoustic to full pop infectiousness. There is 
something for everyone on the release which though not all tracks might connect as deeply as others ensures plenty of uplifting fun and persistent pleasure. The opening song On Top is a low key introduction which to be honest fails to cause much excitement though it is a decent enough song with a rawness which give a nice organic breath to its air. It is when the title track and just released single bursts in straight after that the album ignites a much more eagerness. The song opens with a melodic lure which reminds a little of The Cure with its beckoning melodic hook and vocal harmonies. It then proceeds to thrill and caress the ear with vocals and an uncomplicated yet refreshing sound fuelled by energetic warmth and an enthused intent to give a good time.
From this point the release simply strolls through the ear with confidence and a heated presence which is hard to turn away. The likes of the keen and lively piano led Hey Lady, the acoustic Little You Little Me, and the delightful Long Way Home, weave pleasing atmospheres for the senses to bask in even if they do not quite match the irresistible delights brought by songs like Feet On The Ground and Without The Sun. These both songs find a vibrant and fulfilling element to soundtrack thoughts of sandy beaches and sizzling climes, especially the latter of the two with its anthemic nature.
The biggest suns on the album though come in the shape of Gilly and I Miss You to leave the rest of the album in the shade in comparison. The first is a feisty piece of pulsating pop, its body familiar yet escaping recognition. Impossibly catchy and insatiably joyful the song is unforgettable and a companion to the ear long after its departure. It is another track with a full band involvement which personal taste in regard to the music of Matt prefers. The second of the pair opens with an Elvis Costello like piano lead, its melodic essence near siren like. Another additively infectious song it takes no time in inducing voice and feet to join its party to emerge as the best song on the album and like its predecessor teases way after it takes its leave.
Long Straight Lines is an album which simply lifts emotions even if it may escape being a perpetual favourite and makes for a pleasing partner whenever it is given the chance. It also introduces Matthew P as one of the more interesting and welcome songwriters in the UK right now, his music engaging and satisfying without following what seem to be emerging rules in the current body of solo artists which make them so similar. They could learn a lot from this man and his endearing release.
RingMaster 11/07/2012
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