The opening track 'Happy Anniversary, Stranger' - co-written by Matt Maltese - is set on a London bus (specifically, the 266 to Hammersmith) and tells the all too familiar tale of teenage infatuation as Mann sings of realising she truly cares for, and feels close to, somebody who she doesn't actually know. Pairing the songs strong pop-melody and tuneful drum beat with dreamy backing vocals, Mann sings "my strange stranger, I think I love you."; acknowledging the delusion that can often be of teenage love affairs.
However, in the second track 'As It Is' - a raw, folk-like number backed by acoustic guitar - Mann swaps the dreamy teenage narrative for one of reflection and acceptance, singing "for it is, as it is, as we are."
Track three, 'Robbed', is undoubtedly the stand-out moment on the EP; it's sparse instrumental pulling listeners attention to Mann's mesmerisingly raw and unfiltered vocal - reminiscent of Laura Marling - as she sings of the debilitating nature of young love. "You know the saying love makes you blind, well it robbed all my senses, it robbed my whole mind" she sings, the instrumental dressed solely in hushed guitar. The power of the tracks dream-like sparsity and focus on lyrics is enough to stop listeners in their tracks and will undoubtedly evoke self-reflection.
In a similar vein to 'As It Is', the EP's fourth track, 'Japan', contrasts the dreamy teenage mentality portrayed in many of Mann's songs with one of overwhelming realism. "And I thought in stories like these somebody would call and beg me not to leave" she regales, recognising that romance is rarely as romantic as films make it out to be. The song is steeped in rationality, as Mann sings "thank god I packed my common sense."
The fifth and final track, 'Paper Mache World', has a full layered folk-rock sound of distinct difference to the stripped back soundscape of previous tracks. With it's lamented and slightly theatrical instrumental, the song feels as though it would fit perfectly in an indie teen romance film. Like the opening track 'Happy Anniversary, Stranger' Mann once again delves into a lustful teenage mindset, with the opening lyrics being "Fell back into my open mind, convinced you won't be hard to find."
Like many of Mann's previous releases, the EP is completely enchanting and bound to resonate with listeners. With Mann's knack for story-telling and ability to make magic out of the mundane, her music is as compelling as ever.
Listen to Because I Wanted You To Know, here.
Instagram: @matildathemann
I love this EP!
ReplyDeleteIt was co-written by Matt Maltese???
ReplyDeleteHe should have sung on it. Matt Maltese is so great
Delete