Alex Mather
Strong debut about “that summer” from Aussie Alex Mather
For those of us locked in the icy hands of winter (or, the schizophrenic weather patterns of a Nashville February), here’s a great summer sounding Country track that will warm you up from Aussie newcomer, Alex Mather. This is his debut single, and it’s exceptionally strong.
Debut artists are fun to write about - aside from the challenge of not having a backstory or other material to reference - because many times you can see their potential hidden in the corners of their work. I can’t tell if he recorded it down under, or up here in Phoenix and LA last year, but once you get through the first four bars, it’s pretty clear that he, co-writer Ernie Romero and Producer Bach Beats knocked it out of the park - here’s our review.
Track kicks off with a nice little riff that leads the full band into a four bar intro in E flat, with beautiful major 7 voicings over the I and the IV. Great opening, the voicings match the title of the song and right away it feels like a windows-down drive on the PCH, A1A or the Great Ocean Road. Mix is solid, beautifully balanced, and it’s got all the hallmarks of modern country - electric riff, 5 string bass tones, dobro, lap steel and vocal effects. Melody starts out simple as he brings up the best of the memories he has with this person. Hugely successful tracks have relatable lyrics that cross over the sexes, and he’s right on point here. Nice build up in intensity on the back half of the verse as he changes up the delivery and archs up into the chorus - solid build, great composition skills there.
Chorus continues the lush warm breeze in a I vi IV V progression that repeats. Alex jumps up in range with the melody and delivers in a strong cadence. Vocally, he’s got a bit of Morgan, a bit of Hardy, with a nice blend of his accent coming through. Love that diminished turn coming out of the chorus! That flat 6 trick coming off the IV is one of the best pulls in theory - it’s what Eric Carmen and David Foster used in “All By Myself” when they referenced Rachmaninoff. Dig it.
Second verse keeps the good vibes rolling as the story develops and the intensity in the mix picks up when compared to the first. Again, all the hallmarks of modern country are hit. Same with the second chorus that by now is a complete sing-along. Bridge brings us a nice break, a short breather before that solid hook comes back for the final two choruses. Have to comment again on the quality of the storytelling here and how relatable the lyrics are. When it comes to lyrics, the difference between good and great can be measured in how wide of an audience finds it appealing. It’s not just this particular theme - remembering “that summer” - but words chosen, and the phrases implemented, that will make this resonate with people in the young 20’s when thinking about their teenage crush, or a much older generation thinking about that “fling” they had in the 70’s. Alex and Ernie have cast a very sturdy and wide net, and are sure the reap the benefits based on the quality of the construction.
Make sure you scroll down to catch his socials and see what he’s up to Down Under. Hopefully we’ll see him up here in Nashville someday! Nice work, mate!