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March has been a hard month, right? What with the depressing English weather and never ending work woes it seems like we’re all in need of a little TLC. So we suggest that the best way to listen to this album is to light a candle, run a hot bath and listen to ‘Muchacho’ as you relax and release your senses. Although if self-indulgence just isn’t your thing then listening on the morning commute will still suffice.
Opening track ‘Sun, Arise!’ is almost a plea to the gods to open their hands and let the sun shine down on the earth. It’s an atmosphere that we’ll continue to receive throughout the album, where epic echoed choruses and righteous sounds feel like you’re being gratified by something unearthly.
If a song were a black and white movie this is how it would sound. ‘Song for Zula’ is the standout track of the album. Singer-songwriter Matthew Houck exudes passion and a sense of honesty with his heart wrenching lyrics that make it hard to ignore the lump in your throat. It’s the truthfulness of the words that make this song seem so personal, infact we challenge you to find a more beautiful song released this year.
Listen to 'Song For Zula' below
After a few listens it’s undeniable that Muchacho is an album that amplifies beauty beyond the usual sound of a chart-topping ballad. Infact Phosphorescent sound like The xx before the hipsters got their hands on them, but better.
There’s still plenty more ballads to go around with ‘A New Anhedonia’ creating a colorful piano tingling joy. With uplifting harmonies and poignant visions making you feel as if you’re in a dream chasing long lost love. Later songs of the album definitely have a dark side with jazzier influences, in comparison to the uplifting momentum of the opening track. ‘Down To Go’ brings a bit of brass to the mix, complimenting the piano and Houck’s tormented singing.
If spine tingling piano solos and love songs just aren’t your thing, then perhaps this album isn’t for you. However it’s hard to not marvel at the talent of Houck’s song writing attributes and the wonder of mesmerising sounds you just don’t get to hear everyday.
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