Matthew Lee and the Standbys – Falling Apart (2025)
One of the most well-known cities in the USA, New York City has a lot to boast about: The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square (best on New Year when the ball drops), the Ramones, Taking Back Sunday, and now Matthew Lee and the Standbys.
Hailing from NYC, Matthew Lee and the Standbys draws together the talents of Matthew Lee (vocals and guitar), Nick West (bass and backing vocals), James Collins (drums), and Kevin Ray (keys/synths), all wrapped in an indie-rock sonic wrapper. Yet, as much as it alludes to indie-rock as we know it, heavier alternative rock tones linger in their melodies. The latest addition to their discography is the single, ‘Falling Apart’.
Following their 2023 EP, Another Round, ‘Falling Apart’ is the first release from Matthew Lee and the Standbys in a couple of years – this being based on Spotify. A drag back to 1990s rock sounds, there is a vintage appeal to the track, breathing life into whispers of yesteryear’s alternative rock. With a concoction of pounding drums, a bold bass, and a soaring guitar, the lads quickly engulf you in a whirlpool of hard-hitting, kaleidoscopic music. From pillar to post, you’re tossed about… but, truthfully, you don’t even mind. Blinking in the background, Ray’s keyboard peeps out; however, despite its slight peeping, the quick flutter gives ‘Falling Apart’ a lighter, more rounded sound.
Brash and powerful, alternative rock is prominent, but a sweet lull into something softer, soothing, and slower acts like an eye of the storm. Perfect, considering the theme being that of those 2 am thoughts – the overthinking, complex, tragic ones, and not the happy-go-lucky optimism. It’s a type of deep breath to be interpreted as either a sigh of relief or a quiet sob in the night.
Sincere, sentimental, and slightly heart-breaking as Lee tugs on your heartstrings with his gruff, broken vocals, ‘Falling Apart’ might be a sad song, but it’s a painfully honest one that must be heard.
Find out more about Matthew Lee and the Standbys on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Spotify.
Listen to more alternative rock on The Other Side Reviews Alternative Rock playlist:
