IAIN MATTHEWS – Thro’ My Eyes: The Vertigo Years 1970-1974

After leaving Fairport Convention rather prematurely in 1969, singer songwriter Iain Matthews embarked on what was to be an epic musical journey. His first solo album ‘Matthews’ Southern Comfort’, released that same year, saw him venturing further away from folk and further into the realms of country rock and Americana, and two further albums released under the Matthews’ Southern Comfort band name cemented a warm, rootsy sound, eventually netting Matthews a UK #1 hit with a cover of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Woodstock’, presented in the mould of the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young version. For the more casual observer, that will be the recording for which Iain is best known.

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CIAO MALZ – Safe Then Sorry EP

On her 2022 EP ‘To Go’, Ciao Malz presented some interesting alt-pop sounds. It’s finest three minutes,‘Your Winner’, introduced listeners to someone who appeared to meld the Fleetwood Mac obsessions of Lissie with the pop of Chvrches. By centring everything around a superb bassline, the light pop sound also shared a great groove, creating a sound upon which singer-songwriter Malia DelaCruz could certainly build. The late period Rilo Kiley influence at the heart of ‘Around’, in particular, proved this was no fluke.

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THE REAL GONE ADVENT CALENDAR 2024

It’s that time of year again! …And it seems to come around faster every year.

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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #80

Welcome back to the Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the previous few weeks. For lovers of synth based pop, this selection offers a couple of genuine treats. You’ll also find a superb acoustic reworking from a critically acclaimed singer songwriter, an industrial tinged rocker, some wholesome pop punk from Australia, and more besides. As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy…

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JOHN DOUGLAS – Still Or Sparkling? EP

In 2023, Trashcan Sinatras frontman John Douglas released his long awaited solo debut. Rooted in acoustic based material, the eponymously named record allowed fans to experience a much more introspective performer. This follow up EP finds the musician branching out just a little – with the help of friends Boo Hewerdine, Eddi Reader and others – but the material still retains a very sophisticated singer-songwriter approach, which fans mightn’t associate with his better known band work.

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