With a debut album for folk sakes
Wise beyond his years, Matt Carstens is a 19-year-old folk singer-songwriter who has been composing music since the fledging age of 12. The Limpopo native has spent the years moulding his creations and developing his skill. With just an EP to his discography, Matt Carstens has now released his debut full-length album titled 2D Heart.
2D Heart was recorded at Kill City Blues in Cape Town and co-produced by George van der Spuy and Nicolai Roos. The debuts first two singles, Paper Planes, and Our Revolution received an overwhelming response on radio peaking at the number one spot on the Wild Coast FM and Coastal Radio SA’s charts.
The album opens with a fun track; ‘Our revolution’ reminding me of a mixture between Of Monsters and Men and Mumford and Sons, with banjo-riffs and a deep voice.
Matt’s music is a combination of acoustic guitar melodies and traditional folk music with contemporary instrumentation. Matt’s music combines acoustic sounds with relatable songwriting bent with a more energetic sound.
The album takes you on a very personal journey; following Matt Carstens as he relocated across the country and we hear all the heartache and joy that goes with resettling.
The title of the album refers to how Matt Carten’s thoughts and emotions tend to be a little two-dimensional at occasion accepting that only with time can he learn and grow.
His debut album is a stunning piece of art that draws you deeper with each listen. His lyrics, instrumentals and vocals are simple; but with a deeper analysis, his music certainly adds character to the cryptic vocal and guitar endeavours of the artist.
‘Bisous’ stands out with a bit of an electric feel to it. All in all, I feel there is more to be offered by Matt Carstens as his journey continues. Watch Matt Carsten perform ‘Bisous’ live on the Expresso Show below and purchase 2D Heart here. The final leg of his album launch tour takes place this Saturday at Brass Bell in Cape Town.
