M.Haiux - Summer Nights and Still Water (2024) [Hi-Res]

M. Haiux is the musical alter ego of Liverpool based guitarist Matthew McPartlan. He has put his unique stamp on the primitive guitar genre, utilising minimalistic finger picked guitar instrumentals to create captivating melodic soundscapes.

Citing inspiration from instrumental luminaries such as John Fahey, Daniel Bachman and Gwennifer Raymond, his music also embraces the contemplative pauses and ambient tones reminiscent of Bill Callahan.

His debut album, "Summer Nights and Still Water" was released on Hollow Gesture Records and is made up of improvisations and structured instrumental guitar compositions recorded in his home in May 2024.

“I hadn’t originally planned to add any improvisations but the songs flowed freely and really dictated the overall feel of the album. I became more focussed on capturing that one-time magic moment and giving the songs energy rather than perfecting the performance.”

Much of the album, including the album title, was loosely based on the novel ‘Pan’ by Norwegian writer Kunt Hamson.

“The book covers lot of themes that resonated with me and I have tried to reflect this in the compositions. I did a lot of experimenting with different sounds and recording techniques until I got it right, I wanted it to sound like it was recorded in a wooden hut in the middle of a Norwegian forest as opposed to a bedroom in Liverpool.”

Tracklist:
1.01 - M.Haiux - Trusting Aesop (7:41)
1.02 - M.Haiux - River Ribble (3:36)
1.03 - M.Haiux - Some of the Feathers (3:55)
1.04 - M.Haiux - Oak Beck Stomp (3:30)
1.05 - M.Haiux - Weirdo (3:10)
1.06 - M.Haiux - Slippery Slope (Parts I & II) (5:32)
1.07 - M.Haiux - A Secret Stillness (2:59)
1.08 - M.Haiux - The Wild Reality (3:05)
1.09 - M.Haiux - The Two Boats Lay Ready (3:21)
1.10 - M.Haiux - Fake Laugh (2:52)
1.11 - M.Haiux - Spider Seasons (3:21)