From the fertile musical grounds of Liverpool emerges M.Haiux, the solo project of Matthew McPartlan, formerly of the John Peel-endorsed band Cranebuilders. With his debut album, 'Summer Nights and Still Water', McPartlan carves a distinctive path within the primitive guitar genre, weaving intricate tapestries of sound through minimalistic fingerpicking.
Inspired by instrumental virtuosos such as John Fahey and Daniel Bachman, and the experimental folk stylings of Richard Dawson, McPartlan infuses his music with the contemplative pauses and ambient textures reminiscent of Bill Callahan. The album, a collection of improvisations and structured compositions recorded in the intimacy of his home, is a testament to McPartlan's pursuit of capturing the ephemeral magic of the creative process.
"I became more focussed on capturing that one-time magic moment and giving the songs energy rather than perfecting the performance," McPartlan explains. This DIY approach to recording is central to the album's unique sonic character. "For me, the imperfections in the recordings are more interesting and give the music its soul."
'Summer Nights and Still Water' ebbs and flows with a captivating dynamism. The album opens with the delicate beauty of 'Trusting Aesop', where the music meanders like a gentle stream, weaving delicate melodies that resonate with introspection. The tempo quickens with the infectious rhythm of 'Oak Beck Stomp', evoking a sense of adventure and carefree abandon. 'Weirdo', a poignant outpouring of emotion recorded in a mere 15 minutes, captures the bittersweet essence of loneliness and the yearning for human connection.
The album's title and much of its thematic inspiration are drawn from the novel 'Pan' by Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun. "The book covers a lot of themes that resonated with me, and I have tried to reflect this in the compositions," McPartlan reveals. He experimented with various sounds and recording techniques to create an atmosphere evocative of a secluded wooden hut in a Norwegian forest, a stark contrast to his South Liverpool bedroom.
'Summer Nights and Still Water' is more than just an album; it is a testament to McPartlan's rediscovery of his musical voice after a period of self-doubt and creative stagnation. "When I picked up the guitar again, I was only interested in creating sounds and songs that pleased me," he shares. This newfound artistic freedom resonates throughout the album, making it a truly captivating and unique listening experience.
With 'Summer Nights and Still Water', M.Haiux invites listeners on an introspective and evocative journey through a soundscape that is both intimate and expansive. It is a testament to the power of embracing imperfection and following one's artistic instincts, resulting in a debut album that is as refreshing as it is captivating.
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