"M/B is the solo endeavor of the Toronto-based composer known only as “M/B” or “Matt” in order to maintain his anonymity as an artist. In addition to writing and composing all of his own arrangements, he also does all of the recording as well. Exclusively instrumental, the music of M/B is strikingly evocative and original. The handling of all the arrangements as well as the recording process is impeccable, and the wide-array of emotions and moods that are able to be evoked are subtle as well as powerful. With a driving integrity to see his work fully realized from beginning to end, the quality of the work is evident immediately. With elements of ambient chillwave as well as a nice dosage of shoegaze to be had, there is an intensity found within the soundscapes that keeps the listener bolted to the edge of their seat while their imagination is given free range to roam the instrumental landscapes that are are provided in m/b’s latest endeavor, “August”.
Upon initial listen, I found a certain shared affinity with the likes of Hauschka and Nico Muhly, mixed with a bit of the dark rock of Dirty Beaches. The same way that Hauschka has a wonderful grasp for creating evocative musical landscapes, M/B is able to concisely convey a specific moment in time, fleeting in nature. m/b is an exciting discovery in the growing scene of classical composers who are weaving the worlds of popular music. As the disparity between the classical and “pop” or “indie” for that matter have already begun to drift to compelling and shared kindredness, it is refreshing to find music that a veritable hodgepodge of Krautrock, Rockabilly, and Chamber can all be woven together so succinctly. In the same vein as Nico Muhly, m/b seems to be exploring this divide in an exciting and inventive way.
With an emphasis on the homespun and the DIY, it is a high priority of m/b’s that the artist whose music he is listening to had a hand in producing their own work. In his personal statement, he says: “To be honest, I’ve always felt sort of cheated when I read an album was written by an artist only to discover that some producer was used. I’d ask why does a professional, who is often a songwriter or co-writer among other things, need to be involved? Why is a musician called a songwriter, even an artist, when they need help composing music? I don’t know, it just never felt honest to me.” This personal commitment to authenticity and personal ownership of material rests firmly behind M/B’s commitment to songcraft. I suggest listening to this album through from beginning to end. It evokes the sense of journey and exploration. It is music ideal for headphones, intimate and broad in scope, it is the ideal companion for long-haul trips with lots of free time to soak up the landscape" (Read: listenbeforeyoubuy.net)
Upon initial listen, I found a certain shared affinity with the likes of Hauschka and Nico Muhly, mixed with a bit of the dark rock of Dirty Beaches. The same way that Hauschka has a wonderful grasp for creating evocative musical landscapes, M/B is able to concisely convey a specific moment in time, fleeting in nature. m/b is an exciting discovery in the growing scene of classical composers who are weaving the worlds of popular music. As the disparity between the classical and “pop” or “indie” for that matter have already begun to drift to compelling and shared kindredness, it is refreshing to find music that a veritable hodgepodge of Krautrock, Rockabilly, and Chamber can all be woven together so succinctly. In the same vein as Nico Muhly, m/b seems to be exploring this divide in an exciting and inventive way.
With an emphasis on the homespun and the DIY, it is a high priority of m/b’s that the artist whose music he is listening to had a hand in producing their own work. In his personal statement, he says: “To be honest, I’ve always felt sort of cheated when I read an album was written by an artist only to discover that some producer was used. I’d ask why does a professional, who is often a songwriter or co-writer among other things, need to be involved? Why is a musician called a songwriter, even an artist, when they need help composing music? I don’t know, it just never felt honest to me.” This personal commitment to authenticity and personal ownership of material rests firmly behind M/B’s commitment to songcraft. I suggest listening to this album through from beginning to end. It evokes the sense of journey and exploration. It is music ideal for headphones, intimate and broad in scope, it is the ideal companion for long-haul trips with lots of free time to soak up the landscape" (Read: listenbeforeyoubuy.net)
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario