Matt Bond - Vicious Circle

Matt Bond

Vicious Circle
self-released; 2019

​3.7 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Matt Bond is an alternative singer/songwriter from Reading, UK who recently released Vicious Circle. Last year he was featured on a BBC One documentary This Is My Song where he worked alongside Faithless producer Sister Bliss.

The overall topic for these songs is pretty straightforward. Bond explains, “vicious Circle is a four-song EP that honestly reflects the troubles I've faced in my life as well as describing a sinking and helpless feeling at the state of the world we live in.” It’s crazy how many artists I read who say something along these lies. What’s even more crazy if you look at the evidence such as a book like Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker things are the best they’ve been globally in history and not by a small amount. I blame some of this on the media that tends to only report the grim, bad and ugly.

The EP starts with “Put On A Smile” which address this issue. He sings about possible bombs blowing us up, and the rich getting richer and more. It’s the kind of things I remember worrying about in college which this generation still seems to worry about. The best part about the song is how joyful and fun it is. In fact it might be my favorite tune on the EP.

“Part Of Me” seems to be more about personal struggle. This song is a pretty straightforward but contemporary sounding rock song. The guitar is distorted and bright and the song unfolds dynamically with a catchy verse and an explosive chorus.

​“Rule The Waves” is one of the highlights. The style is a little more ’90s alternative mixed with a tinge of ’60s folk, It’s a catchy song that really builds into a chorus that reminded me of Dropkick Murphys. “Mouth Like A Cage” is perhaps the most single worthy song. It felt commercially viable to me and like something I would hear on the radio.

​I thought all of these songs were well done. The lyrics, vocal delivery, songwriting and more came together for an immersive experience. Take a listen.

Become A Fan

bandcamp

Tweet