Matt Saxton – Take It or Leave It (2024)
Hailing from the UK, East Sussex to be exact, musician Matt Saxton is a trailblazer fusing electronic and organic instruments in his melodies. For almost two decades, according to Spotify, the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist has built a loyal international following claiming critical acclaim from 2005’s Surrender to Happiness to the present day. Described as “full of emotion and captivating…” and “…a masterclass in reflecting hard-hitting lyricism”, Saxton resonates with listeners across the globe. The latest addition to his repertoire is the single ‘Take It or Leave It’.
While this is not our introduction to Matt Saxton having reviewed his 2022 singles ‘Tonight’ and ‘Animal’, Saxton draws us in with his distinctive melting pot of folk and rock. Following the well-received song ‘Freedom’, ‘Take It or Leave It’ shifts from an upbeat, high-paced electronic-laden sound to slower, steadier vintage folk. Interestingly, just as ‘Freedom’ is a frenzied rush pushing you toward kaleidoscopic empowerment, ‘Take It or Leave It’ is as kaleidoscopic and gut-wrenching in a simplistic soundscape.
Dragging listeners back to 60s and 70s folk, a hint of Leonard Cohen whispers through Saxton’s new single. Yet, while Cohen’s insightful writing style and barebones melody shine through, Saxton inserts a distinctive huskiness and poetic flair of his own. Filled with melancholy and vulnerability, the acoustic piano carries audiences off on a sombre sonic wave, and the heart-breaking vocals enhance its poignant nature. Underlying percussion slips a comfortable warmth in the tune, but its stark sentimentality builds a level of intricate fragility.
Tackling the issues of love and loss, as all good ballads do, Saxton delicately plucks at the raw emotion in ‘Take It or Leave It’. Saxton explains:
“When a long-term relationship hits the rocks, do you quit or keep going? Can you find the common ground and love to push on through, even when the road gets very rough… The song is a highly personal song but hopefully with a universal appeal.”
Find out more about Matt Saxton on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustianablecurator
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