Matthew and the Atlas
Often described as the “British Bon Iver”, Matthew and the Atlas is a folk band lead by Matthew Hegarty. The group recently released their third full-length album entitled “Morning Dancer”, and made a stop at the appropriately cozy Norwich Arts Centre. Despite their UK origins, they evoke a pure and traditional American folk style. With Matthew’s brooding vocals, the spiralling guitar riffs and twinkling instrumentation carried an enchanting energy.
Their melodies bellowed through the room like a refreshing summer breeze, embodying notions of sonic vastness and frothing emotion.
The group briefly ventured into the crowd for an unplugged number, intensifying the intimacy sending shivers down everybody’s spine. It provided variation, as some numbers packed anthemic intensity whilst others were soft and grounded. The diversification attained the audiences’ focus and ensured for a captivating live experience.
The distinctly calming aura emitted throughout the show brought revellers back down to earth. After concluding their set, fans left into the night with their hearts filled with a reassuring warmth. Matthew And The Atlas create music that is medicinal for the soul, and witnessing this live only heightens this sensation.