'Go Don't Stop' is the first EP that Mat. McHugh, of Oz. roots royalty The Beautiful Girls', has released as a solo artist and, as such, gives us a pretty clear indication of where his head is at.
After last years TBG electro reggae opus 'Spooks' he has obviously decided to take things down a notch. All the songs here are based around simple acoustic guitar and vocal musings. His voice is up front and close mic'ed and the only percussion comes from the guitar itself and a smattering of beats courtesy of the old school hip hop drum machine of choice, the tr-808. In fact, on all the four songs contained herein, Mat. plays all of the instrumentation himself.
The lead single and catchy title track is lyrically hopefully while still containing a hint of melancholy which seems to be McHugh's modus operandi.
Second track 'Love Come Save Me' is an ode to a departed friend, three time World surfing champion Andy Irons.
After much exploration with his 'main' band, it feels and sounds like Mat. McHugh has found his zone. Stripped of artifice, simple and direct. It's refreshing to hear such simple truths in a music world that is increasingly becoming dominated by over the top production and an 'in your face' aesthetic.
Apparently the decision to start releasing his music under his own name is 'an attempt to strip away all the layers that can surround music. It's just one person, me, writing and recording some songs that document my thoughts and feelings at a certain point in my life'.
If that's his mission statement, then it's an auspicious start.
lyrics
I've been holding out for way too long,
been hoping you say you're mine.
I've been so in doubt you'll play along,
down low and always behind.
So, go slow, don't rush, don't care too much.
Don't make me hold onto you.
Girl, beware you touch me just enough,
and maybe I'll play your fool.
Be singing Š
Go, don't stop.
Won't feel no strain, no pop.
Won't be no lonely days, not anymore.
Keep saying,
Go, don't quit.
Just stay, get used to it.
Won't be no lonely waves run to the shore.
To the shore, to the shoreŠ
It's all waiting, chancing, true romancing.
Stay, we're too young to go.
Lights are fading, dancing crazy like there's maybe too much to know.
It's the same old life, all pay the price.
No dice, we all fall for love.
Run away, think twice, no sacrifice, no stalling, no push and shove.
Just singing Š
Go, don't stop.
Won't feel no strain, no pop.
Won't be no lonely days, not anymore.
Keep saying,
Go, don't quit.
Just stay, get used to it.
Won't be no lonely waves run to the shore.
To the shore, to the shore
credits
from Go Don't Stop,
track released June 10, 2011
all songs written and performed by mat. mchugh
produced by chico delay and ian pritchett
engineered by Ian Pritchett
recorded at position x and noisegate studios
enjoy music and spread love with all of your heart.
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