Matt Elliott- The Broken Man Album Review

No, this is not the Matt Elliott who captained Leicester City to League Cup success in 1997 having a stab at a music career following retirement from the game (which would be pretty funny I know). Instead, it is a mysterious Bristolian of the same name who has produced an array of ethereal, morose folk and experimental, spacey rock using both his own moniker and the guise of Third Eye Foundation, having also played guitar in the band Flying Saucer Attack previously.

Anyway, on to The Broken Man; a seven song LP released by Elliott in January 2012. Beginning with the epic, Latino-tinged acoustics of ‘Oh How We Fell’, The Broken Man is an interesting and often compelling look in the psyche of a man befallen by sadness, loneliness and rejection. Elliott’s acoustic guitar goes from being gently finger-picked to loudly plucked and strummed in a sort of Nick Drake meets Ennio Morricone sort of way, as strings, piano and occasional electronic flourishes emerge from the distance. There is no doubt that the aforementioned Morricone’s Spaghetti Western soundtracks are a profound influence on the album, and no doubt either that Elliott is a very talented guitarist. Furthermore, his laid-back, downbeat and morose vocals really complement the musical setting and themes of the record. ‘Dust, Flesh And Bones’ is the centrepiece and highlight of the album, a gorgeous acoustic melody married with a freaky string section and eerie Western freakout, along with the constant sorrowful refrain of “this is how it feels to be alone.”

Overall, The Broken Man is a highly recommendable release that arguably needs repeated listens to fully reveal its full splendour.

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