MATARE Extinction Burst

MatAre’s Extinction Burst is a seismic exploration of emotional depth, political tension, and personal transformation. Drawing from the rich soil of post-punk energy and the atmospheric textures of new wave, this album feels like both a cathartic outpouring and a meditative journey. With the haunting track “Never-Ending” leading seamlessly into the introspective “Learned Helplessness,” MatAre crafts a soundscape that is both immersive and intensely emotional, capturing the raw urgency of modern life while holding space for deep self-reflection. It’s an album that balances moments of searing intensity with contemplative pauses, allowing the listener to navigate through personal and societal crises alongside the artist.

At the heart of Extinction Burst is MatAre’s exploration of personal turmoil and political unrest. The album emerges from a place of profound inner conflict, inspired by the anxiety that gripped the artist in the wake of the 2016 U.S. election. MatAre, frustrated by a sense of disconnection and privilege, channeled his anger, confusion, and sense of helplessness into music. Yet, instead of solely amplifying the doom of his experience, the album also embraces themes of hope, forgiveness, and love. Tracks like “That’s What People Do” delve into raw emotional spaces, while songs like “The Further That They Go” offer a poignant reflection on longing and communication in the face of disconnection. Extinction Burst is thus a beautiful paradox an album that captures both the anger and the beauty of the times.

The album also shines in its deft handling of political and social themes. MatAre thoughtfully reflects on societal fractures without descending into preachiness. “I want to give people an album with more diversity than they are used to hearing,” the artist shares, and this diversity is evident throughout Extinction Burst. From the fiery punk of “Do What You Can” to the lush, cinematic introspection of “Here’s Where Your Story Begins,” the album deftly navigates the emotional spectrum. It’s clear that the artist’s intent is not just to offer a politically charged narrative, but to create a space where listeners can confront their own emotions, whether they stem from personal relationships, societal concerns, or existential doubt.

What truly makes Extinction Burst stand out is its sense of sonic adventure. Collaborating with musicians like Gabe Wolf and Francesca Pratt, MatAre creates lush soundscapes that feel both nostalgic and innovative. There’s a shimmering elegance to tracks like “Here’s Where Your Story Begins,” with its cinematic drums and poignant guitar riffs, while “The Further That They Go” takes a darker turn, transforming a love song into something electrifying and charged with yearning. The album is never content to stay in one emotional or musical lane; it’s constantly shifting, surprising, and engaging. It’s an album that invites repeated listens, with each track offering something new to discover, yet always grounded in genuine human emotion. In Extinction Burst, MatAre has crafted a record that is as much about emotional honesty as it is about musical exploration a powerful testament to the artist’s unique voice in today’s music scene.

written by Patrick