“POPLIFE” is the new EP by singer, songwriter, and composer Matt Springfield who is based in France. The artist is fascinated by new wave culture of the decades that gave us U2, Bon Jovi, Muse, and his favourites The Killers. Matt has related that “My goal was to write songs that could have been written in the 80’s, with sounds reminding the 80’s, with a modern touch as well”. He has a five track EP which has been realised with the support of crowdfunding from 1012 of his fans. Alongside them, Matt was able to call on the services of Andy Taylor (Bass/Guitar), Beth Gibson (keyboards – Things I’ve Said), Nick Nasmyth (Keyboards – Poplife! & The End of Life), Greg Haver (Producer / Drums) and Peter Rainman (Programming -Things I’ve Said).
This extended play kicks off with `Poplife! ` (Radio Edit) and it`s a wonderfully uplifting slice of electro pop with jingling keyboards, pounding drums, restrained guitar chords and thumping bass. Matt`s voice is delightfully rich, and this really enchanting track had me in mind of Aussie new wavers Mental As Anything and my favourite art synth pop rockers Sparks. We have a more mid-tempo rock offering with `Thing`s I`ve Said (Jelle Haasnoot mix) `. Again it`s another superbly captivating number and makes the best use of Matt`s enticing vocal range.
`Haunted` has an almost anthemic feel about it and opens with immense guitars and drums with the vocals in amongst it vying for attention. We also enjoy a slight reggae vibe throughout the mid-section which adds a little something before a brief guitar solo and then return to the previously resplendent inspirational sound. There`s a lively stride to `The End Of Life` which has swirling synths, pounding drums and lyrics that are shared at such a rate it was hard to keep up. It had a slightly retro feel about it and wouldn`t have been out of place in any number of eighties pop outfits set lists. We return to `Poplife! ` for the final track which is a slightly extended version of the opening track just to remind us how good it is.
I have to say I loved this introduction to Matt Springfield and having lived through the decades that Matt reminisces for, the music at times then was never as good as this. He has such a versatile voice which reminded me of Paul King who fronted the Coventry new wavers King in the mid-eighties. How would I describe the music, maybe a slightly electronic INXS when they were relevant with well-crafted melodies and lyrics but very danceable? Matt has shared that “Plans are to record new songs when the pandemic is over. I’m in the song writing process” and I for one can`t wait to hear the results.
This is a release that will leave you in in such a positive frame of mind and with a smile on your face. A real tonic for these difficult times.
Rating 9 /10
