Five years on from Home Movie his debut with the Fallen Hearts, Mat Gibson has a new mini-album set for release on Clubhouse Records early next month, anyone familiar with Clubhouse’ excellent UK Americana compilation Divided By A Common Language will already have a taste of Mat’s ability – showcased on the label’s debut release via a track from Home Movie entitled called Lay Me Down (to Rest, to Sleep), the new album is a departure from the band record but the quality levels remains very much in place.
Forest Fire is the name of the new release, the title inspired by Mat’s recent two year stay in Quebec – on his final day in Canada before flying back home Quebec was engulfed in smoke as a result of forest fires north of the city, having been enthralled by the wild beauty of the region his leaving coinciding with it’s scaring by fire and Gibson was moved to take natures cruel tragedy and use it’s power for musical inspiration, Yonder Burning Trees, Icebergs and Jonah providing connections to the natural world.
For this recording Mat was essentially alone in the studio with his guitar, a minimal supporting cast provides the complementary instrumentation that embellishes the recording, production duties were shared by Mat and Rowland Prytherch (Danny & The Champions of the World, The Epstein) and a fine job they’ve done to, the pared back seven track release is a bittersweet soundtrack, Autumn appears to arrived early in the UK and Matt’s album is perfect fit for the seasons shifting patterns and receding days. Essential listening.
He’s shared the stage with Treetop Flyers, Gruff Rhys, The Dreaming Spires, Caitlin Rose, The Duke & The King and Justin Townes Earle, there’s a mini-tour in support of the release in the SE and SW and you can catch him at these fine venues/events.
Sept 5 Windmill Brixton, London
Sep 14 The Beehive, Swindon
Sep 17 ACOUSTICA FESTIVAL, Exeter
Sep 19 The Canteen, Bristol
Oct 2 The Lansdown Arms, Lewes
More ‘sample’ tracks at Soundcloud
Buy from Clubhouse online shop
