Matt Howden generously continues the adventure of Sieben, whose music more and more approaches the works
released under his own name. For this third album, he has been influenced by the works by Danish
photographer Kristine Haffgaard. Working directly on her photographs, impregnating himself with them and
composing after the images they reflect upon him, every piece undeniably mirrors its author's sentiments
towards these snapshots, be it the impressions which submerge us during a stay at a historic site haunted
by a thousand memories, or the weight of a loaded and intense past. These moments of life, of time
elapsed, scrutinising a place, an image, a painting. Matt Howden has thus transposed the backdrops of
these photographs, the unvoiced comments, transcending the physical confinements of body and matter,
giving free rein to his abounding imagination, like staying in an empty chamber where the sensations
rapidly, abundantly emerge, vibrant to the echoes of past life gathered by the room. Musically, we find
ardent percussions, the timbre of Matt's warm, patriarchal voice, his inimitable violin and his
enraptured arrangements. A very personal folk-pop music, impregnated by an indescribable aura that makes
the undeniable charm and authenticity of Matt Howden, the multiply talented, prolific composer, who
insufflates an exceptional grace in all his various projects, whether it be Sieben, Raindogs, Sol
Invictus, the solo works, Howden/Wakeford, or others still.
Excellent !
Stéphane F.
Winter 2003
Translation: Volker
Contact :
www.matthowden.com