Matter - Waratah / Living Dream / All Knowing

Making a welcome return to the label he co-founded in mid-2021 with fellow countryman, GMJ, Matter once again showcases his exceptional production skills on Meanwhile Horizons, this time in the shape of the 3-track, "Waratah / Living Dream / All Knowing".

After debuting on the label's inaugural "Beyond the Horizon" release in August 2021, Matty Doyle took his Matter production moniker to new heights with the scintillating "Starchild" album. Released in November that year, the 10-track magnum opus perfectly illustrated the Melbourne star's production wizardry with an immaculate blend of rolling grooves, cavernous basslines and floating melodies. Responsible for over 30 production credits on the flagship Meanwhile imprint in solo and collaborative guises, the most recent have come in January 2022's "Banksia" and September's remix of Alex O'Rion's "Echium" with GMJ.

"Waratah" thus retains all the trademark production knowhow built up over a decade at the vanguard of the progressive house scene. Characterised by a skipping rolling groove, a huge pulsating bassline powers across the low-end while a smooth lead-line coruscates above with carefree abandon. Delicately cadenced chords and rich pads add to the soundscape, revealed fully at the breakdown, while a second half combination of groove and melody creates a sublime denouement.

Replete in complex and intricately programmed percussive flare, the feelgood, "Living Dream" is propelled forward with deep kick and catchy muted motif. Vocal-infused pads whisper gently while an upward arpeggio adds additional character and sonic flare as the track reaches its captivating zenith.

The final offering sees the melancholy overtones of "All Knowing" ripple across a hypnotic rhythmic backdrop. Ticking hats and fizzing shakers keep dancefloor energy high while a panoply of complementary melodies and phrases fire off each other, culminating in a filtered analogue sequence at the mid-point. Building once more in the second half the phrase comes to the fore once again, surrounded by the head-shaking groove and subtle melodic arrangement.

Crafting a beautiful sonic novella via "Waratah / Living Dream / All Knowing", Matter demonstrates an abundance of creative talent.