Go to Rough Trade, NYC, and diamonds you shall find. None more so than a copy of Mattiel’s EP, ‘Customer Copy’, which until a scour through the ‘M’ section, I hadn’t a clue existed. Today, it’s been released to the world. Here’s the verdict…
Unashamedly country, these 6 tracks are an ode to Mattiel’s youth, growing up on a farm in Atlanta, the open plains and cliche country images play through you head as you listen. Her southern twang and gnarly snarl is more profound than on her recent releases, almost exaggerated at times, it shows a different side to the singer’s vocal. The Wild West feel is ever-present, the opening track, ‘Sunday Best’ featuring the backing-vocals heard in almost every Western film following a euphoric victory for the good guys.
What stands out most however, is the increased attention on the guitar, a cornerstone of every track, a distinct riff threading each song together, an area Mattiel seemingly neglected on her debut LP, opting for a more theatrical, orchestral approach. But some of the riffs and hooks are sublime, a potent swagger lingers from start to finish. None more so than on penultimate-track, ‘Midwest Hotel’, the opening riff eerily evil, mysterious and meticulous, it’s only heard a handful of times throughout the track, but when used it speaks loud, it’s intentions clear to everyone. Pop choruses appear regularly, ‘Follow My Name’, the final track on side A, is begging to be played on the radio, or at a nightclub, brass instrumentals flickering in the background, a bridge between the Mattiel of old and the Mattiel of today.
This EP proves exactly what we already knew, Mattiel is a future superstar, only now, we know she possess a bigger arsenal of sonic weapons to take on the world with.
🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒
