Matter - sonder

Matter

​Sonder
self-released; 2017

3.4 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Matter is a band from North Carolina that just released a lo-fi four-song EP entitled Sonder. The whole EP clocks in around eight minutes which at the very least gives us an idea of what the band sounds like. 

Up first is “Washed” which utilizes clean reverb laced guitars, a steady drum beat and bass. I was reminded of the band Real Estate. The song lacks a notable chorus or catchy hook. There are lyrics during the verse where the vocalist sings, “Sometimes I think that I’m the only one / I’m droppin out my mind says "im all done” / City livin things just never chang / Days on end they all seem just the same.” The outro drifts on a little too long.

Up next is “Sonic” which is a minute-and-a-half long. The song ends abruptly before it really gets going. In fact it sounded like the intro to a post-rock song. They close with “Panophobia” which is the best written song of the three. It’s a little more fluid and I thought the hooks were strong with well put together vocal harmonies. The catchiest moment is when the vocalist sings, “Whats the point at all? / Standing just to fall / Oh the writings on the wall /Im undone.”

Sonder is hopefully just the humble beginnings for the band. The production/recording quality will need to improve quite a bit to be competitive with popular underground acts like Real Estate and Wild Nothings that have a similar aesthetic. 

The band has some decent chops as well but I think they have a very familiar sound that seems to be ubiquitous right now. They are going to have to dig a little bit deeper and think about how they can stick out from the crowd. 

​Overall, Sonder is a respectable first effort which I think builds a loose foundation for them. Right now they fall into a case of wait and see.