Spread the Social Love:

Review: Matthew P - Long Straight Lines [Album]

Warner Chappell // "It’s a pleasant enough debut album that people of all ages can enjoy"

by NyW, June 21st, 2012 and has been Read 919 times.
Last Edited by: Ffion Davies July 3rd, 2012.

You’re probably familiar with Matthew P without knowing it. He’s the man behind the 'Girl On The Platform Smiles,’ or to give it its actual name, ‘She Began To Dance’ song that’s featured in the match.com advert.

Long Straight Lines is the debut album from Matthew P. At just 10 tracks long he keeps things short, sweet and simple. Album opener ‘On Top’ grabs your attention right from the get go with its lovely, catchy beat and Matthew’s smooth vocals creating a mellow sound that sets the tone for the rest of the album.

WATCH // 'End of the World'

It’s a sound of a man completely at ease with himself and his sound. Long Straight Lines has a chill upbeat vibe with positive lyrics. You can easily envision Matthew in his converted studio beach hut in Suffolk when you listen to it, especially on title track ‘Long Straight Lines’.

The best thing about Long Straight Lines is its simplicity. This is on display on standout tracks ‘Hey Lady’ with its simple "Hey, won’t you take a walk with me today and keep each other warm in winter" refrain, and the stripped back ‘Little You Little Me’ which is just guitar and vocals and really showcases Matthews’ gentle voice. This one should get the single treatment at some point.

'Long Way Home’ is another winner although things get a bit repetitive after that. The following tracks seem to blend into each other with things only picking up on the albums closing track ‘End of the World,’ which also might sound familiar as it was used by Channel 4 in its Watchmen trailers late last year. It’s a delightful slow-burner with lyrics that seem depressing, but are ultimately about being positive and making the most of life.

Overall Matthew P’s Long Straight Lines is a standard effort. There’s nothing that is truly outstanding or ground-breaking here (but maybe that’s not the point). Long Straight Lines is a pleasant enough debut album that people of all ages can enjoy.

Tracks worth checking out:

• Hey Lady
• Little Me Little You
• On Top
• End of the World