Band Previously Seen: 8/11/2016 supporting Bear’s Den at Brixton Academy
Matthew and the Atlas were excellent hosts and provided us with a good natured gig. The five piece band comprises Matt Hegarty on vocals/guitar, Alex Roberts on guitar, Emma Gatrill on keys, clarinet and bass, Tommy Heap on bass and keys, and James Drohan on drums (with most of the band also chipping in on background vocals – noteworthy was some of the vocal interplay between Matt and Emma). Alex’s guitar playing was impressive throughout and Emma’s clarinet added a welcome different texture to several of the songs but the band’s heart and soul was Matt’s singing.
This tour was to promote their new album Morning Dancer and one of the highlights of the show was the first track from the album, ‘Pyres’ (see sample video below). But all the new songs were received well by the decent sized crowd. Another highlight was one of the encores delivered acoustically in the middle of the crowd (is this something in the contract of all Communion artists?).
Overall, we are treated to a satisfying blend of emotional indie folk songs and more up tempo folk rock tunes. I really like their Communion label mates Bear’s Den but after this gig I now really appreciate MATA and there is much to be said for their more subtle emotional plate.
