Throughout music history, there has been many iconic duos from Simon and Garfunkel through to Tears for Fears, and The White Stripes. Next to take the throne is Dea Matrona consisting of Mollie McGinn and Orlaith Forsythe (previously having Mamie McGinn on drums who left to focus on college) school friends who together moulded their trade on the streets of Belfast busking covers from Led Zeppelin to Simon and Garfunkel. With their hard work and determination, Dea Matrona have amassed eight million views on YouTube and have over 500,000 followers across their social media. Dea Matrona have always had a DIY attitude when it comes to making music. Their debut album “For Your Sins” has been no different with the pair writing, recording, and producing the album. Taking their influences of Fleetwood Mac, Arctic Monkeys and HAIM blending a nostalgic sound with their harmonies and riffs but making it feel fresh and new at the same time.
An opener like “Stuck on you” shows from the get-go Dea Matrona are here to stay. The bassline is like Kevin Parker is playing away which weaves between both vocals and backing vocals whilst the drums and guitar attack the listener viciously.
The bassline on “Stamp on it” sounds like its straight off “Brothers songs” by the Black Keys but gives a flair that intwines beautifully with the riff, drums, and the voice with the elegance of Stevie Nicks.
“Red Button” is a perfect crowd anthem with the chorus becoming trapped in the head of the listener after the first listen. The vocals howl magically like Ann Wilson on “Barracuda.” The rhythm system is like they are merged together only allowing the guitar to storm through when its needed.
“Every night I want you” brings a softer aspect to the band and bringing jazz aspects to the sound with ease which the band admit to stating, “The guitar chords in ‘Every Night I Want You’ were inspired by some off the jazz standards I’d learnt as a teenager after going through a bit of a jazz stage.” The influence of The Cranberries is evident on the track as it sounds straight from Dolores O’Riordan head and the “Oos” on the bridge paying homage to that. Vocally it is like that of Christine McVie particularly on “Songbird.” The guitar tone creates a warm feeling that swallows the listener which is done further by the harmonies.
The guitar riff is at the forefront of “So damn dangerous” shows technical prowess not seen much today and sounds straight from the fingers of 70s KEEF. The rhythm system is yet again tight like Bonham and Paul Jones. This could be the walk-in music for Kiefer Sutherland in “The Lost Boys.”
The choice to use an acoustic ballad to split up the album in “Glory, Glory (I am free)” is a wonderful choice with the finger picking creating a dynamic that feels like the singer has brought her walls down which is reflected in the lyrics. The guitar playing holds it owns throughout but when the drums come in it is highlighted even more.
Heavy hitting drums through “Wilderness” creates the feeling of being chased through a forest with the guitar riff appearing like the mysterious thing chasing you. The vocals and guitars give a dynamic remarkably like what The Mysterines are currently doing.
The funk driven bass line is the vocal point of “Did Nobody ever love you” taking the song to the next level which the guitar and drums weave through and around. Both vocals and backing vocals combine gorgeously and the echo effect exemplifies it. But again, the bass line would make George Clinton jealous.
“Won’t feel like this forever” sounds straight from the Beautiful South’s catalogue showing a different side to Dea Matrona yet again with a more folky sound with the acoustic guitar appearing like Heatons at the strings. Lyrically reminiscent of a past relationship “you don’t know what you have till it’s gone” the delicacy of the vocals makes sure the point gets across.
The band continue to surprise with “Dead Man’s heart” which tackles a brand-new genre with rockabilly with the acoustic guitar and bass drum merging creating a perfect backdrop for the vocals before the slide guitar takes it away. Sounding straight from a bar in Texas.
“Get my mind off” is dominated by the drums which is complimented by the guitar which run havoc when they are evoked which creates a bitter dynamic which the lyrics are trying to get at. The drums at the start give a synth like effect before the vocals and guitars give it an authentic feel.
To close the album with “Black rain” is a perfect choice as all aspects are at full force. Vocals and backing vocals work together to mock with lyrics like “If you need me, satisfy me.” The transition from acoustic guitar to electric is done flawlessly without a gap to split them. The drums hold all aspects together and allows them to run free.
A quintessential album which spans multi genres and masters them all without a glitch. From the funk of “Stuck on you” and “Did nobody ever love you” to delicacy of “Won’t feel like this forever” and “Every night I want you” shows nothing is going to hold them back. To come out the ranks with a debut album like this shows ability like some of the greats. If this is only the start I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Dea Matrona: For Your Sins – Out 3rd May 2024
Matrona – Black Rain (Official Audio) (youtube.com)
