Makeup – 21st Century Blues (2023)
With a penchant for turning vulnerability, self-doubt and insecurity into hard-hitting, toe-tapping and breathtaking melodies, singer-songwriter Makeup gives us theme songs for life in the 21st century. For just over four years, Matt S. Davies (also known as Makeup) flits between optimistic relief in desperate situations to embracing the fragility of humanity with his charming songs – and I’m not the only one enjoying the ride. From Indie Central Music to BBC Introducing: Oxfordshire, Makeup is building a loyal fanbase across the UK and beyond.
Following his well-received track ‘All My Friends Are High’, Makeup’s new single ‘21st Century Blues’ continues his exploration of human complexity in an unnerving, stressful and confusing reality. Taken from the upcoming EP, Calm Down, It’s Not Over, which is set for release later this year, ‘21st Century Blues’ brings a softer, slower and more soothing sound to our ears. Yet, while there is a smoother and more mellifluous tone to the new single, a heartbreaking pain slithers through the melody with abrupt drums and pounding guitars. The drums and guitar do add a strong rock flavour to ‘21st Century Blues’, but it is the incorporation of the soaring strings that ensures this is anything but pedestrian.
The harmonic melodic production is overwhelming in its beauty but, for me, it is Makeup’s vocals that hold the key to sonic mastery. From the high highs to the low lows, Makeup effortlessly traverses vocal ranges with the skill of Freddie Mercury and the obscurity of David Bowie. Interestingly, while he shows sophistication with the delicate placement of his warm voice in a soul-stirring melody, there is a raw innocence seeping forth slathering a rugged charm across ‘21st Century Blues’.
I listen to many songs each day and will admit that similar songs can sometimes roll into one another; however, Makeup will always stand out among the others. Just like those epic rock tracks from Queen and Bowie, this talented artist gives you goosebumps, tears at your heart, rattles through your brain, leaves you gasping for breath, and even has you tearing up a little with ’21st Century Blues’. Wow…just wow.
For more from Makeup, check out his Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
