Scott Matthews
Elusive

You can practically hear the ad men grinning from ear to ear with ‘Elusive’, a re-released single off Wolverhampton singer/songwriter Scott Matthews’ debut album, Passing Stranger.

Stereotypically featuring gentle vocals, a gently strummed acoustic guitar and a gentle wave of _“This should force a few tears out them” _harmonies in the background (starting to get my not so gentle point?), this is the stuff that shopping trips to the GAP for freshly pleated khakis were made for. Or, if we’re looking for another analogy to express Matthews’ MOR musings, this is tailor-made for individuals who get a thrill from occasionally ordering a cheeky orange mocha frappucciono instead of their usual, sensible, skim de-cafe latte at Starbucks.

The only thing favouring this release is the production. Its hushed vocal harmonies lend themselves to a quasi-ambient tone that raises it slightly, and just slightly, above the dreaded James’ (Blunt and Morrison) of the world.

Do yourself a favour and pick up some Nick Drake or Elliott Smith if you’re looking for decent songs played on an acoustic, because you certainly won’t find it here.