Matthew French "Two Sides (Side 1)" Review
Review by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Eric Martin, Writer/Assistant Editor @eamartin95
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It doesn’t surprise me at all that Matthew French used to be a pastor. I can feel it in his music alone. It’s full of that warmth and calmness the pastors I had growing up would fill the congregation with as they delivered the Sunday sermon.
The first half of the singer-songwriter’s new Two Sides (Side 1) record — produced by Christopher Furst with the second half arriving later in 2022 — continues that streak of soul-filling warmth. It’s a feeling that’s very welcoming, especially as our society continues to navigate a world in seemingly constant chaos.
It starts right away with “Some Days.” There’s a drumbeat and Tom Petty-esque guitar intro that teases an upbeat song. Then it settles into a mid-tempo Americana-tinged message of carrying on no matter how well your day goes. Even through the bad days, there is still someone who cares about you.
French’s calm demeanor continues into the social commentary of “Still Got a Heart” with supporting background vocals from fellow Twin Cities singer-songwriter Sarah Morris. It’s started by an almost punk-rock-like guitar riff as well as French’s calm voice in a specific tone that makes it the most urgent-sounding song on the record. However, the overall feel of the song is still very welcoming, and it asks the listener to step out of their bias bubble to see the world from a larger perspective.
It’s largely a message of hope. French’s voice serves as a force of calmness fighting through the chaos of endless opinions that even the kindest soul can get caught up in. It’s urging everyone to look inside themselves to see how they can help and admitting he needs to do the same — everyone needs to do their part.
The Minneapolis-based artist then takes a look back on “Man In the Chair.” With a very present pedal steel, it’s the most traditionally country-sounding song on the EP. It’s also a bit of an outlier.
So far, the prior songs on this record are providing guidance on navigating our society’s current struggles. This one, however, has French talking to his late grandfather who passed down the sort of life advice that has helped him navigate his own path. Right now he’s wishing he could still turn to him for more advice.
It also gives the EP a narrative of these thoughts French is having. He’s taking a moment from giving advice to step back and ask his grandfather, “Am I doing this right?” The more I listen, the more it’s a really nice moment.
French looks internally again on “Carry On” with echoing background vocals by singer-songwriter Annie Fitzgerald. It has a very dark, lonely feel to it as if French is on the road at midnight with only his thoughts of what he left behind to keep him company. The touch of pedal steel and simple, driving drumbeat help create that alone-at-midnight atmosphere.
It’s about how sometimes it’s best to just keep moving on even if you don’t know where the road is heading. While he may be looking at himself, the thought is one that I feel could be easily applied again to the divided times we are in. It seems countless friends and families have gotten into heated arguments that ended in silence with both parties going back to their support systems — the future of the relationship is unknown but you need to keep moving on.
It ends with the title song, a track about making a choice. With background vocals from Fitzgerald, I find it fitting that it ends here after this journey of guidance and looking within. He’s done with his sermon, and now it’s for everyone else to do their own work.
The more I’ve absorbed the record, the more I realized how much a calm, peaceful, and thought-provoking voice like his has been needed. At a time where we’re all inundated with opinions from all angles and where those in power preach that everything will only be okay if their side wins, French’s music see’s a table where everyone can co-exist together. It’s a sigh of relief, and a very joyful listen.
Listen to Two Sides (Side 1) By Matthew French wherever you stream your music.
