On “Extinction Burst,” MatAre delivers a timeless and urgently modern tune that is a dynamic mixture of new wave soundscape and alternative rock energy, heavily influenced by the classic sounds of legendary artists like The Chameleons, The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, and hints of even anthemic indie pop vibes from Foster The People. But he imparts on them a spirit that’s distinctly his.
Attempt to distill “Extinction Burst” at its core, and it’s an emotional story. The layers of guitars, propulsive basslines, and ambient synths reflect the internal push-and-pull of self-discovery. The lyrics read like a diary entry put to music, providing insights derived from personal experience and at the same time touching on universal pangs of wanting, struggle, and change. That makes the track resonate down deep, for both longtime post-punk fans and those new to the genre.
Lean into dynamic contrasts, brooding verses give way to sweeping hooks, and moments of naked vulnerability explode into cathartic release. It’s what feels cinematic, as if walking into the soundtrack of a life chapter you weren’t aware you were living until you heard it. It’s in this melding of the melancholic yearning of bands like The Cure with the modern urgency of the alternative rock world that Matare finds his artistry. This sound could fill a dark club as much as it would serve as a fitting accompaniment to a midnight drive.
What distinguishes “Extinction Burst” is its disregard for genre categories. It flows all over, much the way its subject (self-reflection) does. And this versatility means that MatAre’s music feels as if it doesn’t just exist in playlists, but lingers in the mind, replaying long after the final note has been played.
It is a must-hear for music aficionados seeking authentic storytelling and genre-bending production that wraps it all up. It is an assertion of identity, feeling, and creative liberty. On this release, MatAre cements himself as an artist who creates experiences.
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