Richard BodinA Long-Awaited Return
It has been sixteen years since Syd Matters released their last album, Brotherocean. Shortly after, the band felt they had to explore other things individually… A year ago, rumours of the band coming back together were getting stronger and stronger… So I reached out to Jonathan Morali, the creative force behind the band. Without spoiling any details, he confirmed that Syd Matters was coming back together.
Since that interview, the band has released a few singles, starting with “Many Years In The Making”, and announced many tour dates in Europe. Today they are finally back with this long awaited fifth album: A Gospel of Some Sorts.
From the first notes, a warm feeling overwhelmed me. A feeling of familiarity and yet fresh and new. Syd Matters picked up where they left off. It seems almost effortless. Instantly we reconnect with the band’s mesmerising Lo-Fi electronica and the unmistakable and charming voice of Jonathan Morali, elevated with wonderful vocal harmonies throughout the album.
Through Darkness And Light
A Gospel of Some Sort explores deep themes ranging from human uncertainties to spirituality. Songs like “Choking in Anger” or “Easy” will explore anxiety, depression, doubt and isolation while “Memorize” is a desperate quest for that feeling of being whole and belonging. The wonderful “In The Darkness” tells the painful story of the passing of an unborn child to the afterlife. It is followed by the slow-burn instrumental “Ténèbres” which seems to take this grief through an evolution toward a climactic closure.
“Many Years In The Making”
The lead single “Many Years In The Making” remains one of the highlights for me. The song starts with dreamy melodies, shimmering arpeggios and textures, and soothing vocal harmonies… The lyrics reflect on the passing of time and all that comes with it: hurt, loss, perseverance and heartbreak. To reflect the lyrics and the hurdles in life, the music adopts a more staggering and anxious theme toward the bridge. Yet through it all, he still sings as the final harmonies elevate the song to its climax.
“Tongues”
The penultimate track, “Tongues”, is another gem. The first movement starts slowly with merely a piano and vocal harmonies. The song builds up as guitar and drums join in. The second movement strips back to piano and vocals and grows back in intensity, before a sudden stop. The final and third movement really highlights the vocals, adding a female voice responding to Morali, with a light touch of vocoder vocal filters. I am usually not a big fan of this, but in this case it adds up to the fragile moments and emotional climax.
“Nuclear”
The closing track “Nuclear” is the perfect conclusion for this long-awaited return album. The intricate ballad is inspired by a recurring dream by Jonathan Morali, of desolate landscapes, glimpses of a distant future where the devil is showing the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. The melody is simply beautiful and the powerful vocals make it a poignant ending.
A Story Picked Up Where It Left Off
A Gospel of Some Sort, may sound a bit dark on paper with such themes. But Syd Matters manages to let hope shine through every part with their delicate melodies and arrangements. It is truly where they shine and always have. I have now listened to this album on multiple occasions, and every time, just like the first listen, I am simply left speechless and listening with all my soul. I try to take it all in, with all its restraint, its balance, and all these soaring vocal harmonies.
During our interview a few months ago, Jonathan Morali said: “It’s like picking up a story right where it left off. (…) It feels so good to be together again.”
The chemistry is still there. It never left. And it shows.
