Hailing from the picturesque island of JeJu in Korea; a beautiful place that easily renders itself as the Hawaii of Asia, we find the successful climate and location of Indie/Pop-Folk/Rock Artist Matthew Smith. A rising Artist that so far has encapsulated an insatiable buzz with his highly eclectic and emotions-driven signature sound that gives off several nostalgic throwbacks to early-mid 2000s emo and folk, yet still implements fresh and innovative ideas. And with his newest album Back To Me, these crucial factors are made apparent from start to finish after giving the record a listen from top to bottom.

Matthew has a sound that is familiar but also provides a plethora of originality factors that serve up a style that perfectly implements a coherent balance of originality and familiarly; offering up a sound that is familiar yet identifiable to any of the indie genre. Opening title track “Back To Me” blissfully draws reminiscence to mid-2000s Spill Canvas record One Fell Swoop but there’s so much more brilliance among the song structures and mood shifts that Matthew himself puts into i hi s songs that also separate himself from that particular record as well. But either way, old fans of Spill will instantly fall head over heals for this song and immediately render themselves invested for what’s to come throughout the record’s duration. “Back To Me” is one of those anthemic openers that comfortably leads you in with Matthew’s more subtle vocal ques and tenderness, structuring his words in a way that gives it a more storytelling vibe all while paralleling the immediate vibes and moods the rest of his band are laying as the foundation. And as the somewhat-slower buildup takes place, your investment into Matthew’s craft rises right along the musicianship factors they collectively concoct into one big, anthemic song with an incredible climactic ending. This opener will leave a big impression on just about anyone upon first listen.

Another notable number is “Out Here”, a full band track that really brings Matthew Smith’s energy and versatility to the forefront. But despite how much energy is utilized in this song, Matthew undeniably effective subtlety still works diligently. This song just explores new depths, heights and multifaceted layers among the songwriting this album offers. It’s definitely a radio-worthy track with excellent crunchy guitar tones, a punchy rhythm section and some of Matthew’s more stronger vocals to accompany the shift in sound. Heavier fans will definitely take notice of this one.

One more album highlight is definitely the more ballad like and almost lullaby-stylized Tonight”, an unrelentingly gorgeous anthem with atmospheres of subtlety and ambient measures that are performed/sung in a way that will almost put you to sleep, in a very good way. It’s a soul soother from start to finish. The acoustic rhythms and subtle musical textures and additives make this song one you’ll be falling asleep to or perhaps listening to during a romantic dinner setting. Either way, the inescapable beauty in this song is impossible to go unnoticed. Any fan of any Indie era will appreciate this record in full without any reservations or hesitations.

The album is currently available now on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube and many other streaming digital music platforms. You will not regret giving this one a listen.

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Listen to the album here:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/4WbVyMq0RJw1JzFM0WkQm1

•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjbt8VsLjU0

•Official: https://matthew-smith.carrd.co/
•Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthewsmith254/