SINGLE REVIEW: Matted - Material
Matted make a blistering entrance with their debut single ‘Material’, a track that instantly asserts their presence with a hard-hitting fusion of rock and grunge, layered with an unexpected drop that hits like a tidal wave. There’s a rawness to the sound, but it’s tightly executed—a testament to both the band’s chemistry and the production chops of Harry Judd, who recorded the track at McFly’s London studio. With Romesh Dodangoda (Bring Me The Horizon, Bullet For My Valentine, Nova Twins) on mixing and mastering duties, the result is a huge, polished, and stadium-ready sound that still retains its grit.
The energy is relentless, driven by thumping drums and weighty guitar riffs that push the song forward with undeniable momentum. Vocally, there’s a conviction that sells the track’s message—a reminder to appreciate the present and not get caught up chasing material things that ultimately mean nothing. That thematic weight is matched by the song’s dynamic shifts, from its grunge-laced intensity to the electrifying drop that throws everything into overdrive.
At its core, there’s a melodic depth that pulls you in, but the power metal-inspired technicalities in the guitars add a whole other dimension, giving moments of sharp precision amidst the swirling psychedelia that creeps into the track. These elements don’t fight for space—they coexist, each adding layers of texture that make the song feel all the more engulfing. Then, just when you think you’ve got ‘Material’ figured out, it takes a raw, rebellious turn, shifting into something more primal. Nu-metal-inspired bellows explode towards the climax, bringing a whole new edge that feels like a punk-fuelled release of frustration.
There’s an undeniable energy and passion here, driven not just by the sheer weight of the sound but by the bluesy, soulful edge in the vocals, giving the lyrics even more depth. ‘Material’ isn’t just a heavy track—it’s enthralling, eruptive, and completely immersive, the kind of song that pulls you under and refuses to let go. If this is just the start for Matted, they’ve already got something special.
