[Communion Records, 2010]

words// taylor hebble

If you’re a fan of the UK folk scene (see: Johnny Flynn and Laura Marling), learn the name Matthew and The Atlas, ’cause this is surely a band on the rise.

The brainchild of landscape gardener Matthew Hegarty, Matthew and The Atlas comes out swinging with its debut EP, To The North. Album opener “I Will Remain” is a rousing foot-stomper that almost dares you to try to resist its charm (a futile fight, I warn you), and though the EP is just that- an EP, and therefore only a few songs long, To The North makes up in spirit what it lacks in length. I highly recommend picking it up, and hope the band is already back in the studio, recording the LP.

Top Track: “Within the Rose” is beautiful in its sadness- Hegarty’s rough voice contrasts wonderfully with band member Lindsay West’s ethereal soprano.