Matthew Read – Need It Most (2024)
With an eagerness to capture the core of human experiences in personal narratives, singer-songwriter Matthew Read takes listeners on a journey through life with each melody he shares. In 2019, he released his debut single ‘Handpicked Flowers’ to much acclaim as audiences felt connected to at least one person who “understood them”. Inspired by support and love, Read continued writing and in 2021, he released his debut EP Little Walks to capture the sounds of previous works. Skip ahead to 2024, the UK-based artist brings us his new single ‘Need It Most’.
Joined by the musical stylings of Jose Ibanez (guitar) and Mark Rice (drums), Matthew Read (vocals and guitar) squirms into the hearts of listeners with an intriguing sound. ‘Need It Most’ is my introduction to the trio but, for some reason, I find comfort and contentment within one song like I’ve been listening to this all my life. A conversation with a good friend and not one that is just a friend of a friend of a friend.
Recorded at Third Planet Recording Studios as a prelude to the upcoming EP, ‘Need It Most’ is Read’s first release since his debut EP in 2021. Tipping his hat to 1990s folk-pop tones ala Jack Johnson, ‘Need It Most’ exudes the warmth and sincerity we hear from 90s folk singers; however, a delve further back to vintage folk is evident in the track as slips of Paul Simon lurk beneath melodically and lyrically.
Toe-tapping, soothing and calm, the new single is a rush of kaleidoscopic wind across your face. It is a melody I could listen to and enjoy on its own, but the lyricism brings a thought-provoking profoundness to the track. A tale of tragedy, tribulations and hope, the upcoming EP is “personal therapy” for Read after being diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer. As part of the journey, ‘Need It Most’ reaches to others who care for and support him in this difficult situation. Read explains:
“This single ‘Need It Most’ is about someone very close to me who I wished would look after themselves the way they look after others.”
‘Need It Most’ is set for release on April 17th, so keep your ears and eyes peeled!
Find out more about Matthew Read on his official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
