Matthew McNeal - “The Hardest Part”
USA-based artist Matthew McNeal has just released the delightful indie folk track, “The Hardest Part.” The song gorgeously weaves introspective emotions with carefree instrumentation, making this track a delight to hear.
“The Hardest Part” opens to a reflective padding synth that draws you in with inviting tones. An electronic drum groove sets the song’s pace. This instrument selection makes me draw comparisons to Blur’s later work. With the introduction of electric rhythm guitar, the song gains a warm, carefree groove. Real drums begin to layer themselves over the electronic percussive elements, increasing the track’s dynamics and solidifying the swaggering beat. Bass is also introduced, creating a solid foundation by gluing the rhythm section together.
“The Hardest Part” ebbs and flows elegantly, with layers being added and removed. Warm, lead guitar fleshes out simple melodic lines as we hit the chorus. As the song dies back to the verses, splashes of panning piano and subtle percussive elements add intrigue and ear candy. Over the musical break, a simple but slightly dissonant guitar riff dances playfully over the arrangement. These changing textures make the sonic landscape a real delight to listen to.
Matthew McNeal’s vocals on “The Hardest Part” are inviting and expressive. They gloriously soar over the chorus, giving this song a nice, ear-worm-like feel. Backing vocals also lift these sections subtly, with lush harmonisation.
McNeal describes the meaning behind the lyrics: “‘The Hardest Part’ shines a light on the clarity that comes after a tough or troubling season in life. A constant theme in my music is the struggle of understanding one's own emotions and overall mental health - this song is no different. Written after cancelling 70+ shows due to the pandemic as well as losing my father, this song is my own personal reflection on this chapter of my life.”
“The Hardest Part” is a really beautiful indie folk song, which is quite simply a pleasure to listen to. The track is inviting and carefree, whilst carrying a tinge of introspection. The track is taken from the EP Love Was, which is out now.