Matt Saxton - The Edge of Things (self-released)

This second single from Matt Saxton’s latest album is a gloriously bright affair, sonically speaking at least. Here, he takes his usual deftly crafted folk-pop-rock (there are some artists where generic tags don’t seem to do the job and instead, words such as classic and timeless are more appropriate; Matt is one of them) vibes and, through the addition of breezy brass, adds a very English take on a big rock ‘n’ soul sound.

And if the music has a real “up-and-at-em” quality, the lyrics are much more reflective. Have you ever felt like the walk-on part in someone else’s movie? He asks. Do you feel as if you are far away from the spotlight? An extra! An also-ran. Yes, this is a song for you, a song for those who feel as if their time is yet to come, that their limelight moment is still waiting for them. The song might not have answers, but it will make you realise you are not alone.

It’s a song that manages to have one foot in the anthemic (thanks, in part, to those brass stabs) and the other in the understated, if that is possible. And that is a clever thing to be able to do: write songs that are impactful and ear-catching but never play to the obvious or the over-the-top.

And if it makes Matt feel better, I will just say this: I live my life right out on the edge of things. It’s quiet, uncomplicated, full of simple joys, and devoid of drama and histrionics. I’d just embrace it; there are worse places to find yourself. Trust me, I’ve been there.

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