'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
Or, would it be a cliche if I said 'right now was all there is' ?
Or would it be more appropriate I act unimpressed ?
Hold up a while, where are we ?
Nevermind,there's no need, I should know Š
There is a light so bright somewhere, somehow we both should go
Be where the music goes all night.
Be underneath those dancehall lights.
Look at all of this love we found.
These broken hearts won't beat no sound.
They won't beat.
No sound.
Up everyday, those same old complications come.
Man, they bring me down.
Dream of escape, of plans to break out of this lonely town.
Look in the mirror bored, wanna change my clothes, my hair, my face.
Get me a life out there, somewhere.
Be far beyond this place.
Be where the music goes all night.
Be underneath those dancehall lights.
Look at all of this love we found.
These broken hearts won't beat no sound.
They won't beat.
No sound.
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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