‘Yesterday’ is the perfect example of how music does not need a complicated, overpolished aural livery to be meaningful. In fact, we’d argue that embracing a certain sonic minimalism might be the key to subvert the current AI-driven push in art and music. In that sense, Matthew Holtby does a great job of it, penning an acoustic EP that’s certainly laidback and hypnotic, but still vibrant and evocative. Armed with his trusted guitar, the Canadian creative engages in feathery arpeggio and gentle strums, all crowned by his wholesome and nostalgic vocals, very precise and melodic.
Despite the acoustic ethos that propels the EP, Holtby doesn’t refuse help from like-minded local musicians, adding a baby grand piano (Natalie Hughes), violin (Victoria Yeh), pedal steel (Andrew Ivens), and mandolin and additional acoustic guitar (Ira Quinsey) to the final mix. This gives the album a fuller sound, still maintaining a tender, cinematic aura. Production, mix, and synths come from Juno Award Winner Rob DeBoer.
Delving deeper into the record, Holtby explains: “I had the house to myself one evening, and decided to put up a couple of mics and just perform a handful of songs for the cats. After combing through the recordings, I thought they were a real raw representation of what I’m doing live lately, and decided to move one step further with them. I reached out to some friends who are exceptional at what they do, and this is the result.”
Recommended! Discover ‘Yesterday’ now: