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Curly haired and impish, Matthew Houck sings like a drawling
Bob Dylan fronting an alt-country/indie band. He calls
his band Phosphorescent. I call it an amazing collection
of talent backing an incredible songwriter. On The Weight Of
Flight, Houck proves that he is one of the more talented of
the unheard voices of American indie-folk music. Here's a few
reasons why:
Songs. The five songs on this ep (six, counting Willie Nelson's
"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys") are rich in lyrical
poetry, as well as musical depth. Houck writes verse like a poet
of old, taking words and arranging them in such a way as to make
them appear far more than the sum of their parts. "The thing
about lifetimes/ is sometimes you have to be cruel/ it's sad that
it's sad/ but don't let it dampen you…" is given us
in the plainsong drudgery of "All Of It, All". The way
that the words play amongst the simple melodies is simply magical.
Sounds. Each song on The Weight Of Flight has its own
unique character, while remaining within the context and mood
of the entire album. From the droning heaviness of "Toes
Out To Sea" to the Band-esque burlesque of "When
We Fall" there are a myriad of tonal ranges presented herein.
The aforementioned cover of Willie Nelson's " My Heroes Have
Always Been Cowboys" is a slow, dramatic affair; sparse in
it's arrangement and beautiful in that simplicity. If you're a
fan of alt-country or droning indie rock, there is definitely
something for you on this record.
Heart. Each and every song on this record pulls the listener
in and drowns them deeply and effortlessly into the emotion
being proffered. Each story is a dream. Each note is haunting
and relevant.
- Embo Blake
Track listing:
1. Toes Out To Sea
2. All Of It, All
3. When we Fall
4. My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
5. Not Right, You Know
6. Mrs. Juliette Low
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Phosphorescent
