Mattiel has seemingly come from nowhere this year. Maybe there was greater whispers across the pond but in the UK, she’s been overlooked. A short
article in a nationwide publication led me to her music and since, her debut
record has been constantly spinning upon my record player. A mix of old-school
influences, inspired by Tarantino-soundtracks and the ol’ Wild West, and modern,
hip-hop beats, there’s a wide range of sounds throughout the album as Mattiel takes
you on a cinematic journey through the open deserts. It’s an uplifting record,
the brass sounds in ‘Baby Brother’ and ‘Count Your Blessings’ creating vivid
imagery of a wild west hero, the garage sounds and snippets of organ are regular enough, whilst the stripped-back production creates a rough-edged coolness. It’s such a unique record, such an intriguing
record, a record that instantly grabs your attention, and one that deserves more. Mattiel manages to bring the past firmly into the present, whilst her retro, raw-edged voice is simply stunning. Relaxed and effortless yet commanding and hypnotic, spitting lyrics with a country drawl. She’s an absolute superstar.
