Credit: Photo Oscar McPartlan
M.Haiux is the musical alter ego of Liverpool-based guitarist Matthew McPartlan, a figure whose journey through the musical landscape is as intriguing as the sounds he creates. Emerging from the city’s vibrant music scene, M.Haiux has carved out a niche within the primitive guitar genre, a space defined by minimalistic, finger-picked guitar instrumentals that evoke rich, melodic soundscapes. Before adopting the M.Haiux persona, McPartlan was a member of Cranebuilders, a band once favored by the legendary DJ John Peel. However, after a series of disheartening setbacks and a subsequent crisis of confidence, McPartlan decided to step away from music altogether.
It was only after an 18-month hiatus that he rediscovered his passion for the guitar, driven by a newfound commitment to creating music that resonated solely with his personal vision, free from the pressure of external validation. Inspired by the instrumental works of John Fahey, Daniel Bachman, and Gwennifer Raymond, as well as the experimental folk sounds of Richard Dawson, M.Haiux’s music also finds echoes in the contemplative pauses and ambient tones characteristic of Bill Callahan. This unique blend of influences has culminated in his album, “Summer Nights and Still Water,” a project that captures the essence of his artistic rebirth.
Released on August 16th, 2024, “Summer Nights and Still Water” marks the official debut of M.Haiux under the Hollow Gesture Records label. This album is a reflection of an artist who has embraced the imperfections and spontaneity of the creative process, resulting in a collection of guitar-driven pieces that are as raw as they are captivating. Recorded entirely at home in May 2024, the album blends structured compositions with moments of improvisation, giving each track a unique sense of immediacy and authenticity.
The DIY approach to recording is more than just a stylistic choice for M.Haiux; it is integral to the album’s identity. The tracks carry with them the warmth and intimacy of their creation, with each note and pause contributing to a deeply personal soundscape. This is particularly evident in tracks like “The Two Boats Lay Ready” and “A Secret Stillness,” where the sparse arrangements and quiet spaces between notes create an atmosphere of introspection and calm. The album’s title, “Summer Nights and Still Water,” reflects its tranquil yet profound nature, a theme inspired by the novel Pan by Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun. Much like the novel, the album delves into themes of solitude and connection with nature, which M.Haiux has skillfully translated into his compositions.
Summer Nights And Still Water Album Track List:
Trusting Aesop:
“Trusting Aesop” sets the tone for ‘Summer Nights and Still Water’ with its gentle, flowing melodies, establishing an atmosphere that resonates throughout the entire album. As the opening track, it serves as both an introduction and a promise of the sonic journey ahead. The music meanders like a tranquil stream, with each note carefully placed to evoke a sense of calm and introspection. The guitar strings are lightly plucked, producing delicate melodies that intertwine gracefully, inviting the listener into a world where each sound feels intentional and every silence is meaningful.
Running for 7 minutes and 41 seconds, “Trusting Aesop” exemplifies M.Haiux’s meticulous approach to composition. The track’s duration allows for a deep immersion into its intricate soundscape, where the careful strumming of the guitar creates a sense of continuity and peace. The melodies ebb and flow naturally, never rushing but instead unfolding at their own pace, much like the fables of Aesop himself, which often reveal their wisdom in quiet, subtle ways. This patience in the music mirrors the themes of the album—solitude, reflection, and a deep connection to nature.
Despite the absence of vocals, “Trusting Aesop” feels complete and emotionally rich. The lack of lyrics allows the guitar to take center stage, and M.Haiux uses this to full effect, crafting a piece that speaks volumes through its silence and sound. The track’s beauty lies in its simplicity and the precision with which it is executed. Every note and pause is carefully considered, resulting in a piece that is as compelling as it is delicate. This opening track not only introduces the listener to the album but also sets a high standard for the musical journey that follows, establishing “Trusting Aesop” as a cornerstone of M.Haiux’s artistic expression.
Oak Beck Stomp:
“Oak Beck Stomp”, the fourth track on ‘Summer Nights and Still Water’, shifts the album’s mood with its lively and rhythmic energy. Unlike the gentler, introspective tones of earlier tracks, this piece immediately captures the listener’s attention with the rhythmic allure of its well-played guitar. The track kicks off with a sense of purpose, its tempo slightly quickened, inviting the listener into a soundscape that feels both rich and layered. The guitar work is intricate yet forceful, creating a rhythm that is at once infectious and inviting, as if beckoning the listener to join in its musical journey.
The layering in “Oak Beck Stomp” is particularly compelling, offering a textural depth that stands out within the album’s overall sound. The music is rich, and the rhythm almost demands movement. This sense of motion imbues the track with an adventurous spirit, making it feel like a sonic exploration. The air within the track feels charged with anticipation, as if each note is leading toward an exciting discovery. This dynamic energy contrasts beautifully with the album’s quieter moments, showcasing M.Haiux’s ability to craft a diverse range of emotions and atmospheres within a singular project.
Despite its upbeat tempo and rhythmic complexity, “Oak Beck Stomp” maintains the delicate precision that characterizes M.Haiux’s guitar work. The guitar is gently picked, each note echoing clearly and with intention. This level of meticulousness guarantees that, while the track is lively, it still blends seamlessly with the album’s overall story. The abundance of musical instruments not only entertains but also takes you on an immersive journey that feels like an exciting adventure, with captivating rhythms. On the album, “Oak Beck Stomp” shines as a vivid standout, showcasing M.Haiux’s skill in crafting complex, emotional music solely with his guitar.
A Secret Stillness:
The rhythmic guitar work of “A Secret Stillness,” the seventh song on ‘Summer Nights and Still Water,’ immediately grabs the listener’s interest. In contrast to the quieter songs on the album, this track quickly establishes itself with a definite and consistent rhythm that serves as the core of the whole piece. In M.Haiux’s work, the guitar remains the focus, but it possesses an especially captivating characteristic in this instance. The gentle plucking creates a rich and dreamlike sound, setting a mood that is simultaneously close and vast.
One of the most remarkable traits of the track is its uninterrupted rhythm. The music flows smoothly as the guitar’s rhythm guides the listener seamlessly through each moment. The surreal quality of the track comes from this seamless continuity, where every note seems to naturally lead to the next. “A Secret Stillness” manages to be both captivating and calming, its gentle rhythms drawing the listener deeper into the soundscape that M.Haiux has crafted. The guitar doesn’t just lead the composition; it defines it, setting the tone and pace in a way that feels both intentional and organic.
Despite the absence of vocals, “A Secret Stillness” achieves a sense of completeness that many instrumental tracks strive for but rarely attain. The guitar alone is enough to convey the track’s emotional depth and musical complexity. There’s an astonishing beauty in the simplicity of the composition—just a guitar, rhythmically and delicately played, yet the result is a piece of music that feels profound and fully realized. The track stands as a testament to M.Haiux’s ability to create powerful musical experiences with minimalistic means, relying solely on the strength of his instrument to deliver a composition that is as gentle as it is captivating.
Two Boats Lay Ready:
“Two Boats Lay Ready”, the ninth track on ‘Summer Nights and Still Water’, is yet another testament to M.Haiux’s ability to create captivating music through the art of instrumental storytelling. The track begins with a carefully crafted melody, its tingly, well-tinged sound immediately drawing the listener in. The guitar, as is characteristic of the album, forms the backbone of this composition, delivering a sound that is both delicate and compelling. Each note seems to shimmer, contributing to a unique musical landscape that feels as though it is constantly unfolding, offering something new with every listen.
What sets “Two Boats Lay Ready” apart is its fresh and invigorating atmosphere. The music seems like a refreshing breeze, as the dreamy guitar strumming effortlessly mixes with other subtle sounds for a unified and immersive experience. This combination of components creates a song that seems lively, like it’s flowing with a calm, yet determined, stream. The guitar’s soothing melodies offer a feeling of connection, tying each instant together, while the extra elements of music enhance the piece, adding complexity and richness. The song transitions smoothly, striking a harmonious blend of the known and the surprising, captivating the audience from start to finish.
The dreamlike essence of the guitar playing, along with the additional sounds in the song, produces a listening experience that is united and deeply moving. The music communicates in a unique way, sharing a story that can be understood in different ways but is still powerful. This song, similar to many others on the album, showcases how instrumental music can effectively communicate intricate emotions and narratives without using lyrics. “Two Boats Lay Ready” is a highlight on the album, demonstrating M.Haiux’s talent in creating music that is original and emotionally powerful.
The album consists of 11 tracks, each highlighting M.Haiux’s outstanding guitar skills. Without any vocals as a guide, the guitar takes on the role of the only storyteller, telling tales through the melodies created by its strings. M.Haiux’s ability to keep a cohesive and engaging listening experience prevents the guitar from becoming monotonous in less skilled hands. Every song, whether planned or improvised, contributes a unique element to the album while also keeping a cohesive atmosphere that connects the entire project.
“Summer Nights and Still Water” isn’t simply a collection of songs; it’s a journey. It encourages the listener to immerse themselves in the complex melodies and the gaps within them, in a similar way to getting lost in the serenity of a summer evening or the calmness of a secluded lake. The album’s soul comes from the imperfections in the recording and playing, where things aren’t perfectly polished or technically flawless. During a time when music is frequently overly polished and sterilized, M.Haiux’s creations shine as a pleasant example of the charm found in flaws.
“Summer Nights and Still Water” is essential for those who admire the skill and expression of the guitar. M.Haiux has created a debut album that is classic and contemporary, a calm yet strong release that stays with you even after the last sound dissipates.
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