It might be early Spring, but the atmosphere created by Mat Riviere on 'Evening Drive' is decidedly chilly. It's sparse, alright: a low rumbling hum and a mechanised rhythm that sounds more like the workings of a distant factory provide the main backing to Riviere's near monotone vocals as he depicts a landscape of roadworks and a bleak postindustrial winter scene. A strained synth enters the mix for the chorus, while Riviere's voice remains as bleak and deadpan as Michael Gira at his iciest. It makes for strangely compelling listening.
'Stars Hollow' is a barren electro-folk number, while 'The Give In' fleshes out the minimal instrumentation with strings and a thin whistle of feedback, and Mat delivers his worn-sounding reflections from low in the mix to mildly harrowing effect.
It's not often you'll find me jumping on a hype bandwagon, but the praise being heaped on Riviere seems quite justified.
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