Matthew Hayes Jacobs – What Secrets Lie Ahead (2024)
Inspired by life in its totality with all the grit and glory, Matthew Hayes Jacobs has “…always strived to write music with deep meaning and investigation into the nature of things…”. His introspective, reflective and insightful charm leads listeners along a moving melodic path, and the lyricism is as poetic as it travels on the journey. This is my introduction to US-based Hayes Jacobs, but while he is a new discovery, the music boasts the sentimentality of an old trusted friend. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’.
Following his debut single, ‘What Wonders’, Hayes Jacobs’ sophomore track is eclectic and innovative; however, steadier soothing rushes in the melody. By no means pedestrian, eclectic obscurity reigns in ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’ – the combination of guitar, drums and percussion makes the track indefinable and insatiable.
For me, however, it is this avant-garde nature that hints at a slight discomfort in the melody. Despite the calm gentleness of the instrumentation, haunting and vulnerability peek through with its off-kilter tone. I mention a sense of soothing in ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’, and it is this duality tugging at your heart. You find familiarity and warmth in ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’, but with the lingering shimmer of “okay, this is different”.
Melodically, ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’ is a sensational few minutes of sincerity, confidence, fragility and confusion, it is the lyricism that showcases Hayes Jacobs’ intricate depth. He explains:
“The song is a meditation on the mysterious nature of life, particularly the secrets that are ahead in the future. This song has depth and substance. It’s about the inquiry of wisdom and generating of compassion…”
So, overall, how do I feel about ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’ and Matthew Hayes Jacobs? My response: I’m not too sure. As much as I delight in the diversity of ‘What Secrets Lie Ahead’ and ‘What Wonders’, a niggling tint of uncertainty exists in its experimental shine. One thing I do know is that I am eager to hear more from Hayes Jacobs and highly recommend his music to everyone looking for something fresh, powerful and unique.
Find out more about Matthew Hayes Jacobs on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
