Matthew and the Atlas - Morning Dancer (Album Review)

Three albums in and Matthew and the Atlas seem to be in a position to capitalise on all aspects of their previous work. Matt Hegarty’s adventure started with some folky EPs, followed by the synth-based 2014 debut album ‘Other Rivers’. ‘Temple’ then retreated to a more stripped down approach, but with ‘Morning Dancer’ we’re treated to a more eclectic collection.

This time, along with teaming up with producer Ali Chant (Youth Lagoon, Gruff Rhys), Hegarty enlisted his touring band for recording. With synths largely given a backseat ride throughout, electric guitars and flecks of brass somewhat unexpectedly take centre stage at various moments. Once the surprise subsides, they stand out as the two key elements that give this album its life blood.

Magical lead single Pyres gave a sparkling insight into Hegarty’s latest change of direction, blending the guitars and horns into compelling presence alongside his trademark emotive vocals.

Album curtain raiser Plaything, another single, ventures into similar territory as the combination shows its power when wielded thoughtfully. Jangly electric guitars and driving bass then provide another winner in Waging A War, where an instrumental break leaves us yearning for more of the same.

Next, though, the band deviate for a minimalist pairing, Low and Tower Above the Sun. The former pairs a glitzy ‘80s backdrop that could have appeared in any number of John Hughes films with brass injections, while the latter is a haunting effort akin to Nick Drake.

The bubbly Begin Again breathes vibrant life back into the record after these two quieter moments, and the Byrdsian jangle of High Fire boasts a scintillating outro that’s over too soon. The compelling synth soundscapes the band have used so well in the past may be harder to find here, but they do underpin the excellent Halo. Here, a haunting melody is played out in a couple of guises for possibly the biggest highlight on the album.

Remaining exemplary throughout, as it has on all of Matthew and the Atlas’s outings, is Hegarty’s magnificent vocal passion. And that, coupled with his excellent songwriting ability, remains their biggest draw. ‘Morning Dancer’ manages to cover much of their past ground with subtle twists here and there that amount to another top notch record from a band that deserves a place in anyone’s heart.

Matthew and the Atlas Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:

Sun May 12 2019 - BRIGHTON Patterns
Mon May 13 2019 - BRISTOL THE FLEECE
Tue May 14 2019 - CARDIFF Globe
Thu May 16 2019 - LONDON Omeara
Fri May 17 2019 - NOTTINGHAM Bodega Social Club
Sat May 18 2019 - BIRMINGHAM Castle and Falcon
Mon May 20 2019 - NORWICH Norwich Arts Centre
Tue May 21 2019 - MANCHESTER Deaf Institute
Wed May 22 2019 - LIVERPOOL Leaf
Fri May 24 2019 - LEEDS Wardrobe
Mon May 27 2019 - GLASGOW Stereo Cafe Bar
Tue May 28 2019 - EDINBURGH Mash House
Wed May 29 2019 - BELFAST Voodoo
Thu May 30 2019 - DUBLIN Grand Social
Wed November 20 2019 - LONDON EartH (Evolutionary Arts Hackney)

Click here to compare & buy Matthew And The Atlas Tickets at Stereoboard.com.

More Reviews from Graeme Marsh

Maps - Colours. Reflect. Time. Loss.

Bear's Den - So That You Might Hear Me

Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balance

Idlewild - Interview Music

Circa Waves - What's It Like Over There?

Strand of Oaks - Eraserland

Foals - Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost - Part 1

FEWS - Into Red

Ladytron - Ladytron

White Lies - Five

Toy - Happy in the Hollow

The Twilight Sad - It Won/t Be Like This All The Time

Related News

Matthew And The Atlas Announce Second London Show For Autumn

Thu 14 Feb 2019

Matthew and the Atlas have lined up a second London date for autumn due to demand.

Matthew And The Atlas Announce New Album 'Morning Dancer', Confirm Accompanying UK And Ireland Tour

Mon 21 Jan 2019

Photo: Dave Watts Matthew and the Atlas is set to return with a new album and tour dates this spring.

Matthew And The Atlas Confirms May Village Underground Show

Wed 24 Jan 2018

Matthew and the Atlas, aka Matthew Hegarty, will return to London this spring. 

Editors Share Reworking Of Hallelujah (So Low)

Tue 16 Apr 2019

Editors have shared the second track from their forthcoming album.

Gaz Coombes Shares First Track Of 2019 Salamander

Mon 20 May 2019

Gaz Coombes is back with a new single.

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds Win Over The Crowd In Black Star Dancing Video

Wed 08 May 2019

Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds have released a video for Black Star Dancing.

Lightning Seeds Announce 'Jollification' Reissue And Accompanying UK Dates

Fri 03 May 2019

Lightning Seeds have announced a reissue of their seminal album ‘Jollification’.

Peter Hook And The Light To Play Joy Division: A Celebration Show At O2 Acadey Brixton In May 2020

Tue 23 Apr 2019

Photo: Peter Kaminsky Peter Hook and the Light have announced a London show for 2020.