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Scott Matthew and Spencer Cobrin Make An Amazing Album

D. Alexander | Long Beach, CA United States | 10/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I originally discovered Scott Matthew watching John Cameron's movie "Shortbus," in which he appeared, singing his contributions to the soundtrack. His voice is mournful, haunting, velvety, androgynous, and oft-compared to David Bowie's. His vocal timbre reminds me of Bowie singing "Heroes," not unlike the sound of an oboe. But Matthew's singing style -- the inflection, emotion, and precipices of tension -- are very different from popular Bowie hits. Matthew's songs are personal and deeply felt.



Spencer Cobrin was in Morrisey's band and plays drums, piano, and guitar on the album. I was never a fan of Morrisey, so I can't easily compare Elva Snow to Morrissey. The instrumentation is incredibly beautiful, varied, accoustic folk-rock.



The album gets categorized as British alternative folk-rock. The balance of song tempos and moods, the poetic lyrics, beautiful arrangements, and profound cohesion of the album won me over after one listen. They care about every song they created.



I love Matthew's voice and I am glad that he is working on a solo album. He has written and recorded songs included in many soundracks: "The Last Run," "Splinter," "Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex," and "Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' On Heaven's Door."



The Scott Matthew songs on the "Shortbus" are consistent with Scott Matthew's vocal style on this album, but the album provides a broader range of emotional tones and tempos. In my mind, this album is like Chad VanGaalen and Nick Drake: distinctly personal, like Chad VanGaalen, although with more traditional instrumentation and subject matter, and somber, soft, and emotive, like Nick Drake. Look up the "Shortbus" soundtrack and listen to the samples of Scott Matthew's songs. If you started there and came to this page looking for more, you will enjoy this album."