Being an Art As Catharsis fan, it’s no surprise that sooner or later I’ll find myself musing on some new thing going on in their camp. This time, I’ll be looking at “Matriarch”, Mad Vantage‘s second single from their upcoming debut in early November, MINUTIAE., which, if this and the first single are any indication, will be one smashing album. I usually try to stay away from overly showy and superlative praise when listening to something new that piques my interest, however, I need to tell you all right off the bat that I’m really feeling this one, this time around. MINUTIAE. might just be the, or one of the, first records which might finally bring fusion fully into this day and age. If “Pervade Your Mind” and today’s spotlight, “Matriarch”, are a solid indicator, then I think we have ourselves a mad cool vantage point for the future of fusion as well.
I feel like fusion has been stuck for far too long in past decades, insisting a lot on technicality over anything else, when on paper it should’ve been one glorious monolith. Mad Vantage are clearly on the same page and figured it’s time to shift things. “Matriarch” boasts an energetic take on what seems like an indescribable melange at first glance. At a stylistic level it comes across as a very fluid, endearing approach to reconcile the vast expanse between modern nu-jazz, progressive metal/progressive rock, and an attitude that focuses on vibes as much as technical prowess. I think that’s a very bold move and in its current form, I think it’s really working out better than anyone could have expected.
The accompanying music video for “Matriarch” adopts a more classic angle. The band just bangs it out live in the studio. Everyone is absolutely locked in and their performance just flows as naturally as it can. It feels like a very sharp performance, which doesn’t sacrifice the mood of its presentation due to technical difficulty. Many bands playing at similar levels of musical complexity will tend to be very monotone and stiff, which to an extent is understandable – complex passages require people to laser in on their parts to deliver. Though many seem to forget the other aspect of performance, which is equally vital in a live setting – the physical expression, the show. While Mad Vantage‘s isn’t something as explosive as sungazer for example, it’s also not something that would benefit much from it, due to the streamlined, groovy, and laid back mood that pervades all its corners.
“Matriarch” through its course, manages to not only act as a very engaging, no-nonsense opener for an album, it also, I feel, makes for a very good presentation of what the band is on about and where they’re at. If the rest of the album is at least as good, we’re in for quite a treat. I would also underline that it’s even more impressive considering it’s a debut, even though the members have a fair amount of experience under their belt individually.
Yeah, so, “Matriarch” is an absolute banger, MINUTIAE. will probably be one of the best albums of this year, and Mad Vantage are (already) one of the coolest new kids on the block. Mark November 7th in your calendars for more of this proggy goodness. Of course, also check Mad Vantage on Bandcamp, and whatever other streaming service you’re on.
