The Brigadier: Press/Reviews

Exeter soloist, The Brigadier, has been writing and recording as a solo star for just three years but can already boast an impressive back catalogue - thanks to his D.I.Y approach to music.

The Brigadier - aka Matt Williams - has recently released Time Is A Wound, his fifth collection of songs and, just like the previous offerings, it was recorded and produced in his flat.

From what he told me, it sounds like a home from home - for me at least!

"It's a bit like this BBC Radio Devon studio, but with equipment that might not be quite as good," he pointed out.

But Matt was quick to confess that, whilst he enjoys putting his work together in the comfort of his own flat, he'd be more than willing to experience life in a studio and would definitely appreciate the advice of an experienced producer.

"You've all the freedom and time to do what you want when you're recording at home, but on a technical level I'd love to learn some tips and get new ideas too," he told me.

Making the connection

I've been a fan of The Brigadier's music ever since I played his track, Oh Paddington, on the show.

It's catchy pop music but cleverly done and really quite original, which is always refreshing.

His ability to connect with the listener is a real strength, best demonstrated on his track, Jobseeker.

"I was on the dole when I wrote that," explains Matt.

"I was between one of my many fleeting day jobs, hence the lyrics.

"When it comes to song writing, the melody is the most important thing and I like to fit the words around that.

"Hopefully they stick in the listeners mind."

With plans for a new EP in spring 2010 and an album to follow in the summer, The Brigadier looks set for another busy 12 months, best let the neighbours know the home studio will be back in action soon.

http://www.myspace.com/brigadiermusic - ridiculously gorgeous and unerringly infectious, the Brigadier is the alter ego of Welsh musician Matt Williams who these days calls home Brighton. Apparently the proud parent of one acclaimed self released full length to date in the shape of ‘view from the bath’ with another tentatively pencilled shortly for Spring release under the working title ‘the rise and fall of responsibility’. Even before you’ve heard a single note played a quick check of Mr Williams’ extensive list of influences gives you fair indication that this may well be something enticingly special - names such as Bacharach, Big Star, Gene Clark, Andrew Gold, Todd Rundgren, Dave Edmunds, Raspberries, Bee Gees and the Korgis give a fair indication of the promised pop rushes to come. And come they do. ‘Some sort of magic’ is ridiculously infectious - silken melodies wrapped in denim and smelling of hi-karate, audaciously affectionate hooks and pristinely wrapped sugar tipped harmonies al hallowed and framed by harpsichordian swirls and bathed in unfeasibly cute bristling baroque braids while the unapologetically retro candy coated ‘this is why’ appears to have been defrosted from some weird state of suspended animation having happily lived in ignorance of the last thirty years of pop and still tripping to a heartbeat and mindset so indelibly link to a more innocent early 70’s age. ‘regents park’ is so wrong its right, picking the bones from the melodic astute uttered by the likes of early career Ashley Parks and current loves Muller and Patton - a kooky lightly crisp beauty replete with willowy plaids, bird noises and that sense of undisputed feel good loveliness that comes when the hot summers sun bathes warmly through an early morning bedroom window then again there’s more than a whiff of Cliff Richard era ‘Summer Holiday’ about its persona which be honest is no bad thing. Those of you who heeded our recommendations about Epicycle will positively swoon to the immeasurable classically crafted pop coyness of ‘the language of love’ - think Lloyd Cole, Mickie Most and Van Dyke Parks invited on a studio blind date and detailed to belt out a lavish and lush saccharine sprinkled radio arresting pop gem aided by a remit to procure the essence of 50’s bubblegum pop, mid 70’s summers and a glancing marinating of glam and pub rock formulas. Best of the set though by far the lilting ‘Berkeley Square’ - a heart stoppingly majestic nugget that appears to take its initial cue from Godley and Crème’s ‘under your thumb’, succulently saturated by porcelain electronic swathes and festooned deliciously by spectral keys and threaded with subtle 60’s sourced west coast motifs that once heard stick like limpet mines inside your headspace. What we’d like to know is a) how does he do it and b) how does he get away with it? Stunning.

IN 2007 THE BRIGADIER TOOK PART IN E4'S "POPWORLD PROMOTES" - THIS IS A BIT OF WHAT THEY SAID:
"I am TOTALLY in love with this guy! Lovely voice and a brilliant sound in all his songs.He is GREAT!xxx" -"The album is fantastic! This guy will go far" - "He is excellent his music just lifts your mood and puts a smile on your face:-) he will go far" - "To infinity and beyond...X X" - "You are brilliant Matt!Fantastic songs!Wish you all the best!" - "Greetings from Canada, great lyrics, great melodies, sounds like you're on your way to the top." - "I can't stop listening to The Brigadier's album... It's great! Worth every vote!" - "I am totally in love!!!This is magic:)Best wishes..xxx" - "The Brigadier is one of those rare animals - genuine and original melodies and lyrics, but with a distinct 60's early pop feel - and it makes you feel great! Love his music to bits, and I'm sure he will go far!" - "Great sound and voice!" - "Great! .. fantastic song ! .." - "The Brigadier writes cool, catchy songs with his own distinctive style of totally original intelligent pop music that simply oozes hip - proven by his popular MySpace page which is really buzzing with fans, of which I am one of them!" - "The boy has talent. Love the songs... from New Orleans" - "The album is fantastic! This guy will go far" - "Rated 10. For sure. Excellent stuff" -
"sumptious darling. do the vocals sound a bit "Rent-a-Ghost"..or is it just me? LOVE IT x" - "Love all the Tracks! You are going to be big x" - "He's great! Sign 'im!" - "Brighton's best. ;-)" - "i like this very much" - "A breath of fresh air in the Pop world. Looking forward to seeing him signed! Just listen to those melodies and harmonies" - "Saw the Brigadier at Death Disco in Notting Hill - great gig, loved the music!" - "i would like to say just two things,an amazing voice and wonderful songs" - "He should be signed" - "Wow, really great music..." - "great song! he should be signed!!" - "with the brigadier.....once you pop you can't stop... ciao ciao" - "Great gig in Notting Hill, Come back soon!" - "I FOUND HIM ON THE WEB...IT'S GREAT MUSIC...REALLY...I HOPE TO SEE HIM TOP THE LIST" - "Had a great set at Death Disco, well recomended" - "Fantastic music. . . the world needs to hear it. . . he must be signed. . . fast!!" - "Fab Fab KEEP DOIN IT" - "it's beautiful" - "Matt,The Brigadier sound awesome! Matt you have my full support! U sound super psychedelic! Un bacio grande, ur lil' swedish fan;)"