Admonishing and cynical, "Yeah That's Me" is a barrage of emotions; it's fun however, as the artist Matt Kiano lays out the blues over a dynamic package of pop-punk numbers. Unapologetic and unrestrained, the four tracks in the short but explosive EP tap into the everyday angst and loneliness with an emo-punk flair reminiscent of its halcyon days in the 2000s.
Matt Kiano might not have scored a million streams yet, but his experience as a musician stretches over a decade: after trying his luck through multiple bands, the Welsh singer-songwriter is firing all cylinders in going solo. He sources his inspiration from a medley of artists, including the avant-garde punk-rock pioneer David Bowie to the eccentric hitmaker Oliver Tree. However, he is highly motivated by Green Day and its unabashed, relentless frontman Billie Joe Armstrong (with whom Matt shares an uncanny resemblance in terms of vocal output and zeal). Around 2021, Matt debuted with "Life is Fair," equipped containing downbeat, heartbroken vocals over an energized pop-punk ensemble. Last year, "Ebenezer" from his discography is a funky electro-pop and punk-rock crossover, laced with sharp riffs and bleak but idealistic vocals.
As we get into the EP, "Counting Stars" takes the stage with distinctive features such as arcadey bleep synths zipping through the composition beside the battering rock groove; the vocals commendably whir up angst (as he narrates "I just came to count the stars//but I won't get very far//as clouds are blocking my way”). The lead single "Yeah That's Me" wields epic percussions, as melodic guitars accompany the pessimistic yet rebellious performance, emphasizing that he can't become a people pleaser in the determined main chorus. The third song "Living A Lie" starts on a slower pace with muted bass notes, advancing to the arena-shaking chorus with a raucous and frenzied instrumental, as the vocalist denounces the cold and emotionless world. In the finale "Gone Daddy Gone," accelerated and scratchy guitars cause chaos as the vocals assume a cheeky demeanor with disillusioned lyrics mocking a high-school romance.
Listen to "Yeah That's Me" on Spotify and catch Matt Kiano and his band live on January 26th at the Bunkhouse, Swansea. Stay updated about the launch event and more on his Instagram.
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