Matthew Neel’s album New Maps of Hell is a sombre piece of art which is strangely luring and mesmerising, allowing one to forget the world around them and listen easily. It is easy to fall into the step of the music and find yourself falling deeper out of reality. It is hard not to find yourself tapping along to each song, which although the music is easy listening and could quite easily fall into the background, somehow has you attached.
There is something in the quality of the vocals that could be likened to that of Johnny Cash, maybe it’s the country/folk vocal, likened to marmite; one either enjoys it or hates it. The record has some feel of magic about it, but in a non fairy tale kind of way, luring you to a quiet comfortable sleep.
This album creates an imagination alive with memories of summer nights at festivals with friends, a can of cider and that happy care free feeling, the little jig and the catchy sing along lines.
The tracks take you on a roller coaster of emotions, both happy and then more sombre, despite this the album is rather pleasing.
A recommendation for Christmas 2009.
