Mat Riviere

Bleak, desolate, detached, dark, morose, melancholic and introverted. Music from Norwich doesn't get gruffer than this! Not wishing to follow in the esteemed footsteps of fellow Canaries lovers, Cathy Dennis and Beth Orton, Mat has decided to take the self reflecting, irritable loner stance of a bored bedroom dweller. Twiddling and tweaking his way onto the regarded Brain Love Records, this is his debut solo release, ''Follow Your Heart'.

Having been the home of the first British art movement outside of London, Norwich does have a history of pioneering creations. Is this one of them? Well, Plan B certainly seem to think so having said of Mat's work..."Solo eccentrica from the UK's DIY mecca, Norwich", and there was me thinking B&Q came from Southampton. The album certainly has its DIY touches and at times does feel like you're listening to a Fisher Price/Texas Instruments orchestra accompanied by paper wrapped over comb, and whatever household objects are to hand. (Mat is probably best left on his own as apparently he doesn't work and play well with others!) Mat & Casio may well be emblazoned across his windshield.

Continue reading: Mat Riviere, Follow Your Heart Album Review