Scott Matthews steps into uncharted territory on his latest single, ‘New Skin‘. It is a thoughtful, understated reflection on life’s transitions and a bold departure from his tried-and-tested acoustic sound.
Fifteen years after he first drew praise with the punchy folk-blues of 2006’s ‘Passing Stranger‘, Matthews is back with an album of dreamy electronica, and there isn’t a guitar in sight.
The electronic world has opened up new avenues for Matthews. Having already carved out his place in the realm of acoustic folk, he experiments on this latest album with layers, loops, and harmonies — and the result is richly satisfying. ‘New Skin’ opens with an aquatic, Gaussian Curve-esque arpeggio paired with chopped and anxious oooh’s. Layers of velvety synths are set with smooth and polished vocals that feel like a pebble in the hand, while a pared-down wobble adds depth and substance. The track is shaped in two distinct halves: the first two minutes are a minor-key wander through the blurry landscape of doubt, thick with the anxiety of coming change. Then, an elegant shift to the major key signals a zoom-out moment of clarity. It is the point of transition, the shedding of the “old skin,” and the first, faltering experience of the new.
This award-winning British singer-songwriter proves with his latest venture that fresh ideas (and having the courage to explore them) can truly pay off. Avoiding the trap of repeating his earlier successes, Matthews embraces the world of chilled-out electronica and makes it his own. Comments on his YouTube videos bear witness to a soul-nourishing art that helps people through difficult times: this is sweet listening, easy on the ear, at once restorative and soulful. And yet, with ‘New Skin’, Matthews also reminds us of the fresh hope that comes from making a transition and from braving the unknown.
This new skin suits Matthews very well. It is safe to expect more experimentation and glistening electronic vibes from this latest album, and as he grows into his new sound, perhaps from future releases too. Then again, who knows what other skins he will take on?
