Scott Matthew - This Here Defeat (2015)

Scott Matthew loves the reduced. His songs are mostly carried by cello, piano, ukulele, acoustic guitar and of course his unmistakable voice, rarely you hear more. "This Here Defeat", the fifth album of the New York-based Australian, is a little different.
In fact, the first tracks with strings and electric guitar are darker and at the same time more carried than earlier ones. Until then, the title song appears like a sudden rainbow in the sky: a classic pop song, soft and light as a feather orchestrated.
Matthew found help arranging the songs from German guitarist Jürgen Stark. The two locked themselves in Scott's Brooklyn apartment for two weeks. After that, it was clear that Stark would produce the album.
It was recorded with Scott's longtime musical companions Eugene Lemcio (piano, bass) and Sam Taylor (cello) in Lisbon, the city Scott has taken to his heart since his collaboration with Rodrigo Leão (co-founder of Madredeus).

Reviews
"Reduced acoustic guitars are joined by ... increased atmospheric electric guitars, soft piano and synthesizer dabs, accented beats and sadly purring strings. This sonic diversity has its charms, even for longtime Matthews fans, and makes "This Here Defeat" an ideal introductory opportunity for those unfamiliar with this independent folkie." (Audio, April 2015)



1.01 - Scott Matthew - Effigy (3:34)
1.02 - Scott Matthew - Skyline (4:08)
1.03 - Scott Matthew - Constant (3:23)
1.04 - Scott Matthew - Soul to Save (2:37)
1.05 - Scott Matthew - Ruined Heart (3:19)
1.06 - Scott Matthew - This Here Defeat (4:18)
1.07 - Scott Matthew - Bittersweet (3:06)
1.08 - Scott Matthew - Here We Go Again (4:19)
1.09 - Scott Matthew - Ode (2:45)
1.10 - Scott Matthew - Palace of Tears (2:15)