Matt Monsoor recorded his latest track "Galloway" in his home studio during the COVID lockdown and sent it over to Shane Leonard to mix—whereupon this ambling track received a welcome drum makeover at Leonard's steady, jazz-trained hand. Monsoor is a singer and songwriter that spends his time salvaging raw materials in the desultory wilds of Wisconsin, building furniture and songs with a sharp eye for meaningful detail and lasting workmanship.
As Monsoor looks forward to 2022 with his sights set on recording an EP in early February with Shane Leonard and Matthew Skemp at Leonard’s studio in Eau Claire, WI, we can enjoy the easy and calming flavor of this musical reflection on the passage of time. At its core this song is a heartfelt ode to the eternal flame of creativity—that force of art and personal accomplishment that turns every lived moment into an opportunity for vindication at the peculiar tribunal of perceived self-worth. Monsoor has had his fair share of reflection over this past year. "Galloway" leaves us with an endearing abstract of this experience as he matches a raspy, stereo-doubled lead vocal with a crunchy Wurlizer track, acoustic guitar, and a deftly-handled electric bass that provides just enough movement around the dry rhythm pocket. The result is a satisfying blend of roots-rock flavors that splits the difference between Wilco, Andy Shauf, and Hiss Golden Messenger to arrive at a unique location that is both nostalgic and emotionally vibrant.
