Matthew Dear follows up 2007's Asa Breed LP with Black City. His new album sets off into a somewhat darker place from where Asa Breed left off. Darker and definitely stranger, but this is a good thing, Dear's vocals have matured and fit in with warped avant-techno beats with a new confidence. The album starts off with the moody and chilling Honey, then kicks in with the infectious synth loops and wonky organs of I Can't Feel [heard here]. Third track, Little People (Black City) is an absolute epic (9:21) and dominates the LP as your ears are taken through multiple key changes with ease, keeping the same captivating vibe. First to be released is the brilliant Soil To Seed, which possesses a magic beat and melodic baseline. You Put a Spell On Me and Monkey both pack in more strange noises and lush arrangements that are an absolute delight. A slow euphoric closer, Gem is a piano led ballad with a glitch-pop heart. Matthew Dear’s Black City can’t be found on any map. It’s a composite, an imaginary metropolis peopled by desperate cases, lovelorn souls, and amoral motives. Powerful stuff and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

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Matthew's official website, buy it on iTunes