The destiny of up-and-coming artist Matilda Mann has certainly been sealed by the release of ‘Kismet’, her new album that lays her thoughts out in the open. The 11-song record is full to the brim with love, as she questions the future and reflects on the past.
Throughout the album, Mann balances gentle melodies with disco beats to ensure we can dance along no matter the lyrics. It is a carefully constructed piece of work that lets each song flow into the other, and is sure to be the perfect companion for a sunny day.
Opening track ‘Chain Reaction’ embraces an infectious melody that sets the mood for the rest of the album. It is soft rock, with layers of guitars that dance around melodic pianos and spiralling strings. Mann sings “you’ve given me something to lose”, as she embraces a positive mindset surrounded by delicious harmonies.
‘After The Love’ joins these explosive choruses. Drawing comparisons to Clairo, this song combines seventh chords with funky grooves to question what will happen “after the love.” It’s a concept that we don’t hear much about, as she finds herself at the in-between stage of a relationship. “Could you be the man of my dreams or a stranger who leaves in the dark” is sung with complete exhilaration, and Mann is clearly welcoming the unknown.
‘The Fig Tree’ acts as the glue that holds the album together. It seems to embody all of the themes of this unknown future. Again, Mann fuses together groovy basslines that protrude through the music to lead the beat. Her candid thought process, “I don’t understand taxes and parking policies”, provides a comforting (and relatable) insight into confusion for the future.
‘Make Up’ moves away from guitar foundations, and welcomes a disco feel that will make you want to sway. It's teasing as she sings “If you really love me then come on and show me,” with a beautiful control to her voice. Mann’s voice remains consistent across the whole album, and next to the syncopated beats in ‘Inventing’ helps to perfect a euphoric atmosphere. The line “love is just too weak of a word” is deeply romantic, and emphasises the weight of her feelings.
Writing about the album on Instagram, Mann said: “Kismet means fate or destiny, something I think is such a beautiful concept, especially when it comes to trying to figure everything out and deciding what to do with your life”. “This album was written so effortlessly and with so much joy, after a period of not knowing what kind of artist I wanted to be or what I wanted to say. It encapsulates exactly how I feel and all of the love I have and want to give to you.”
Her feelings are very clearly portrayed and complemented by her music. ‘Imagine That Now’ uses pretty guitar fingerpicking to interact with plenty of elements such as trumpets to create a safe haven. The brass instruments are across many of the songs, and ‘Bittersweet’ is a beautiful product of this too. Mann’s quiet vocals feel as though she is sitting with you, telling a story over a coffee as she describes a relationship that never truly fulfils its potential. She sings “used to be joined at the hip that friends to lover kinda shit”, over swooning strings and a powerful bassline; it feels nostalgic.
The fingerpicking doesn't end there though, and ‘Lovely’ is a heavenly acoustic song. The gentleness makes it the perfect song for a summer day as she sings “now that I’ve found you / life is much sweeter like sugar on my lips.” And that’s not all, ‘Forever and a Day’ feels like a warm hug. Mann has clearly mastered the skeletal, acoustic form of a song as she moves from flowing melodies to short, staccato notes. She can strip back everything, including her own emotions.
‘Call You From The Car’ shows the internal battle and very personal realities of a musician breaking into the industry. She sings of the things she has missed - “sorry I missed your sister graduate” - but of her hope for the future. It is a song by a woman who knows her craft.
The final song on the record, ‘Haunt Me’ combines upbeat strums with strong basslines. It’s exciting, happy and hopeful. It feels like proof that, despite the constant uncertainty across the album, everything will be okay. And the long flowing choruses feel like a satisfying epiphany - “Hold me baby / I never wanna live without you.”
Matilda Mann’s 11-track album ‘Kismet’ seals her destiny, and proves there is plenty of excitement in the unknown.