Matt Dunne - Wilton Place

Matt Dunne
Wilton Place EP
2016
SoundCloud

Wilton Place is the first EP from Matt Dunne an LA local musician plying his trade in the smaller places of the city of entertainment. Bedroom recording and living rooms shows are the norm these days for smaller folk artists and in order to standout you really have to do something special. Wilton Place is special. It is small in scope yet big on heart mostly just guitar and vocals and thus the words become the focus. On the opening song you can hear the buzz of the world outside as Matt picks away at his guitar. It grounds the album in something very real and very palpable. It is an odd sensation but ambient noises add so much depth and character to the album that otherwise could be just another singer songwriter endeavor. Matt's vocals have a rich homey quality that when they are unaffected just trip with truth. You find yourself wanting to hear more and more even though the technical aspect of the record are quite limited. The album feels quite right just where it is but you can sense how some varied instrumentation and a bit more of a round sound could really add something quite special.

"It Never Rains in Los Angeles" is the funkier side of things on the album and all the bones are right there for a special local take on the LA water crises. His voice comes across lighter and more playful on this track displaying some of Matt's versatility. Wilton Place is a great introduction and has some really special moments, but these do feel like only the structure of a more varied sound to come. You can hear where the drum would crash or the bass would run and those elements do need to be there in order for this artist to take the next step. But He is right there and his ability to write a great song is more than on display on this record. You may want to start listening to Matt now when you can still say hi to him around town, because if this record is any indication He'll be out of your league very very soon.

7.9 out of 10