To the North is the second Communion Label release and debut EP from Matthew and The Atlas. For those of you that follow Communion, you’ll know that he featured on the groundbreaking Communion compilation. The album caused a big swell across the net with rave reviews and excitement on what would unfold in the future. This second release has the energy to keep it going in big mighty strides!
Matthew is Matthew Hegarty – a landscape gardener by day and one hell of a singer/songwriter by night. OK, he didn’t go and lock himself away in a log cabin for several months to write the songs for this album but it contains as much soul and emotion as someone who did. Some singers are able to find a place inside that doesn’t require the trappings of seclusion to put pen to paper and conjure up words that interpret feelings that touch and move an audience. They make a connection. I still don’t understand how that magic works, but I know it, I feel it and I’ve watched people in a room be moved by it even though they are all strangers. To the North is one of those albums that will work its magic on you.
Just listen to I Will Remain. He has a way of drawing out certain words. The hand clapping and foot stomping, the choruses…where the hell do I start, this rousing starter is the perfect catalyst for the album. It has the feeling of community behind it which makes it an ideal Communion candidate, it makes you crave more. Matthew Heagrty’s voice made Mumford and Son awestruck…you can see why.
I will Remain (sample)
[audio:http://www.box.net/shared/static/1g0zuhxseq.mp3|titles=I Will Remain|artists=Matthew and The Atlas]
Matthew can take you high and low. Veins of History is a heart achingly beautiful track that the angelic sounding harmonies only serve to heighten the already swelling emotion. Maybe it’s his hardened edge voice that can also raise such unexpected emotion that make him so appealing. I actually had to stop and take a few moments out after hearing this.
Veins of History (sample)
[audio:http://www.box.net/shared/static/x0h02ejldi.mp3|titles=Veins of History|artists=Matthew and The Atlas]
If this was page one of Matthew and The Atlas imagine what the book would be like. Folks, this is a must have album. Trust me on this one and get it…you’ll treasure it!
Hear more on myspace
Tickets are now available for the EP launch on the 14th of April at The Lexington, London
You can buy Tickets (£5) or special ‘To the North’ bundle including Ticket + limited edition 10” vinyl + digital (only £10)
Physical 10″ Vinyl is to be collected from the venue on the night of the show. Click here for more details