MatAre – Dissolution

If you paid attention to the contemporary music scene in recent years, and styles like post-punk, dream pop, new wave, indie, and shoegaze in particular, then you must have heard of MatAre. Over the years, Matthew Rousseau, an outstanding songwriter, musician, and produced behind this marvelous music outlet, has built a name for himself in those niches, and rightfully holds the title of one of the finest music artists you could stumble upon across social media and streaming platforms. If you’re not already familiar with his music, then you’ll soon realize why. By blending all those music genres, sometimes two or three and sometimes even more at once, he paints a lush sonic imagery that artists and bands usually fail to do so, or rarely achieve that level of greatness. And while many music outlets struggle to do it, it seems like Matthew Rousseau does it with such ease, thanks to all those brilliant ideas, outstanding musicianship, and level of professionalism in every aspect of music production. ”Dissolution,” his latest standalone single released on May 25th, exemplifies his dedication to the craft. It’s one of those songs that seamlessly blends so many styles, but eventually, everything resonates so smoothly, to the point you realize that’s MatAre’s signature sound. Although this composition carries all the fundamental elements of post-punk sound, it’s worth mentioning that Matthew Rousseau incorporated some elements borrowed from dream pop, indie rock, and maybe even shoegaze. However, these additional sonic ingredients are roaming somewhere in the background, while post-punk is a true star of the show. But this composition certainly wouldn’t resonate like this without those reverby, spacey, echoic qualities that some listeners will immediately connect with the sounds of the eighties post-punk and new wave scene. It’s one of those details that defines MatAre’s signature sound. However, one thing that really holds this song together is also that captivating, notable touch of contemporary music production that elevates all the vocals, orchestrations, and rhythmic patterns to an entirely new level. MatAre wisely produces his song, and ”Dissolution” showecases how post-punk music, as a longstanding genre it might be, still resonates uniquely and freshly.

And you’ll notice how much time and effort MatAre invested in this song as soon as you press play. As someone who pays the same amount of attention to every vocal line, chord progression, bassline, and beat, he knows that for a good post-punk song, you have to go the extra mile to elevate it on an entirely new level. Besides the modern production that makes every instrument resonate with such power and clarity, MatAre also paid attention to the song structure that follows all the rules of exceptional songwriting and composing. Each segment reveals clever arrangements, brilliant ideas, and outstanding musicianship. His vocal performance adds more than necessary additional melody and harmony that perfectly pairs the orchestrations and guides listeners through every section of the song till the end. There’s a certain raspiness lurking around that gives a subtle rawness and aggression to those deep, calm, soothing, relaxing vocal harmonies. His voice is raw when it needs to be, and melodic when this song demands the most. MatAre has always been one of those singer-songwriters who know how to breathe in soul, emotion, depth, and power through his vocal performance, so that’s the case here as well. The compehensive collection of various guitar maneuvers, from jangly, angular chord progressions and riffs to ear-appealing themes, melodies, and harmonies, builds that cathartic ambiance that immediately wraps around the listening apparatus and refuses to let go long after the last notes fade away. Paired with lush, beautiful, mesmerizing synth leads and pads, the guitars construct a captivating soundscape that defines this marvelous composition. By being one of the most dominant instruments in the mix, the bass guitar gives definition, clarity, warmth, and depth by delivering all those warm-sounding, vividly hearable, intricate, deep low-end notes. Combined with strady, well-accentuated, flawlessly performed rhythmic patterns, it offers groove and pace to this song while holding all orchestrations together. As you can see and hear, MatAre thought about everything while assembling this fine piece of sonic artistry.

MatAre’s works have always been something the crowd should praise and discuss, but with ”Dissolution,” he pushes post-punk to new heights. His creativity and experience are on full display here, proving that for a good song, you need one genius songwriter who understands the post-punk genre perfectly. If you seek fascinating, emotive, soulful post-punk music, look no further, because MatAre has created a masterpiece that you should immediately check out. Do not miss this gem!