Matthew C Whitaker - Songs For The Weary 
Release Date: Out Now
Many will know Matthew C. Whitaker as the 'zany' frontman of Henge and, frankly, that would be fine as they are an outstanding band with superb live shows. However, Whitaker has seen fit to venture out on his own and with that combination of eyes and hair, who can blame him? The big question is whether the music is any good and the even bigger answer is ABSO-BLOODY-LUTELY.
New album 'Songs For The Weary' starts with 'Overture', as soothing a piece of music as you're likely to find in the modern world with a minimalist beat and swooning, slithering strings evoking long, warm summer days and a real lack of anywhere to be. The strings bleed into 'Mind How You Go' but this time Whitaker's vocals join in with a soft, tender song that speaks of care and genuine concern for a loved one. Former single 'Chestnut Tree' is a slightly perkier number with Hawaiian inspired guitars and a very English vocal delivery giving strong Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer vibes.
'Lucid Dreamer' blends crooning with a sense of out-of-body experience narrative to create a kind of cosmic lullaby - presumably this is what he sings to the rest of Henge on the tour bus. Those jaunty guitars and 50s vibes are back on 'Logan Stone', a song that uses the image of massive improbably balanced stones to describe the precariousness of modern life, while 'For The Weary' whistles into life with a subtle Tarantino meets Belle & Sebastian vibe that is to die for.
Penultimate track, 'A Portrait of the Artist as an Old Man', meanders and weaves like the reminiscing mind of someone sat by a river in their later years with a satisfied smile on their face. The album closes with 'Stand Up To The Man' which sounds like a McCartney outtake with bouncing strings and a calmly delivered vocal containing lyrics written from a sense of injustice. This is a thoroughly beautiful, gentle and soul soothing album from a man in his peak of creativity so it will probably be criminally overlooked. Over to you, dear reader...
More information: https://www.instagram.com/matthewcwhitaker/
Live Dates:
02/03/26 - The Grove, Nottingham
03/03/26 - Barrelhouse, Totnes
04/03/26 - Cornish Bank, Falmouth
05/03/26 - The Jam Jar, Bristol
07/03/26 - MOTH Club, London
08/03/26 - Folklore Rooms, Brighton
10/03/26 - Band on the Wall, Manchester