Here at the Send Me Your Ears studio today, we’ve been listening to the latest single from London-based Welsh singer-songwriter, Calon. Matryoshka was released on January 20th 2023.
Matryoshka’ is Calon’s 5th single release and is inspired by the ending of a momentary relationship. The track explores the reminiscences of a lover wanting to move on, but struggling to do so as he reflects. It is a sobering look at a love that once was, but also the kind of love that teaches us a lot about ourselves and who we can be. A Matryoshka is a Russian Doll. The classical style of the matryoshka brings memories of a life once appreciated.
Matryoshka starts with dreamy and smooth instrumentation, gentle piano, and strummed guitar. The whole track has a nostalgic, 60s feel as it floats along in your ears. When the vocals come in, they are gentle, warm and inviting. The voice and general style of the song reminded us very much of Donovan. There are patches of Isaac Slade (The Fray) and David Gray in the voice as well. It is a very listenable voice that is charming, earnest and endearing.
We love the jazzy and unpredictable chord progressions in this track. The listener will find themselves constantly engaged by this heartfelt track.
We love the chorus’s builds, with additional instrumentation and some clever use of distant tambourine. The gentle rise and fall here give the track a beautiful lilt.
Ideas from our ears
A cut around 60Hz would reduce some ‘boomy’ tones in parts of the track and a couple of cuts in the mids around 500Hz and 900Hz would reduce some ‘honky’ tones. A boost around 4kHz could increase the presence and definition too. Finally, a light compressor/limiter and maybe 5dB of make-up gain would add some more warmth and thickness as well as raising the overall volume. As always, these are just some ideas from our ears
Final thoughts
Calon’s latest single, Matryoshka, is a nostalgic and wistful look at the end of a relationship. It is a beautiful song that will appeal to gentle singer-songwriter and folk music fans. One for fans of Woodstock!
https://www.facebook.com/calonlondon/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4XXLnmswfcAI4RIYV5Ra7Q?si=0f7ggSAGS7Sew3xgF1hcug
https://calon1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/calon_music/