SCOTT MATTHEW – GALLANRTY’S FAVOURITE SON

Scott Matthew is a New York based, Queensland born independent recording artist. He is a former member of musical project Elva Snow which he founded with former Morrissey member Spencer Corbin. Gallantry’s Favourite Son is Matthew’s follow up to his 2nd album (not counting his 2008 EP) There Is An Ocean That Divides. This new album is very subtle. Understated guitar and ukulele strumming supported by gentle strings and piano. Supposedly the instruments are subdued so that they just fade into the background as a platform to feature Scott Matthew’s voice.  There is no doubt that his voice is, and should be featured. Being able to carry emotion, vulnerability and strength simultaneously is a unique gift. He could be compared to Elvis Costello’s most recent “Adult Contemporary” mode (not the Pop-Rock Costello of the 70s and 80s).  Matthew has featured twice in Japanese anime film soundtracks composed by Yoko Kanno. He has also had songs of his feature on the soundtrack to dark comedy Shortbus. Matthew is clearly a talented and unique artists, as atested to by these projects. However he struggles to put together a whole album, lacking energy and variety; sometimes too much is just that, too much.

**1/2