Featured Tune: "Obsolete" from Matthew Frederick
reviews
A Resonant Return
Matthew Frederick’s “Obsolete” marks an evocative and triumphant return to solo artistry after a five-year hiatus, delivering a sound that feels both expansive and intimately personal. Right from the opening notes, the track envelops the listener in a rich, textured atmosphere, blending delicate strings with subtle, driving percussion that never overpowers but always propels. There’s a cinematic quality to the arrangement, giving the song a sense of space and weight, as if each note is carefully placed to linger in the mind long after it ends.
What stands out most is Frederick’s ability to balance emotional depth with anthemic energy. The production is polished yet organic, allowing the heart of the song to shine through without being overshadowed by its sonic layers. The interplay between the intricate string work and the rhythmic foundation creates a tension and release that feels satisfying on both a cerebral and visceral level. This is a track that invites repeated listens, each time revealing new subtleties in its arrangement and mood.
“Obsolete” doesn’t simply reintroduce Matthew Frederick as a solo artist; it asserts his growth and artistic confidence. It captures the bittersweet, reflective tone of someone looking back while moving forward, combining nostalgia with a forward momentum that hints at exciting possibilities for future work. For listeners seeking a song that resonates emotionally while engaging the senses fully, “Obsolete” is a compelling, memorable experience.