The Brigadier: Press/Reviews

Matt Williams is The Brigadier and his 13-track CD, "View From the Bath", launches into the opening track "Tell Me What You Want" like a candy pop Archies Rick Springfield throwback 70's pill of fun with vocals that land between the Small Faces and the Dead. The entire CD was written and performed by Williams who does an admirable job on all instruments, but the real talent here is in the whimsical depth that exists. Track 2, "Regents Park", is a treat, and underneath the sugary surface is a deep thoughtful lyric that exhibits a McCartney-ish maturity, 'i'd like to rescue you for dinner, and if it isn't dark, how bout a walk in Regents Park'. Track 5, "Oh, But I Do", is an Itchigoo Park bubble gum gem as well that opens with marimba? Williams writes to the heart-broken girl, 'take it in stride, or run and hide, i don't hear you, cause you say the same things again and again, why did he have to go, you gotta face it baby he doesn't love you..but i do'. Track 7, title track "View from the Bath", is a whimsical instrumental lasting all of 30 seconds of distorted calliope. The final track, "You've Got to Be", leaves the listener with the same energetic pop love as it opened with. Williams' tune is a dedication to, of course, a girl, 'when i first me you i was dreamin', then i saw you in my house, you were a cat and i was the rat, you've got to be the most beautiful girl in the world, you've got to be the one, i wanted you to be my lady, and i have to be your boy'. All tolled, the album is a light pop journey that fuses the best of an era's pop sense, including English Hermits inspirations. We look forward to more in general, The Brigadier version.

UK import and a very exciting debut that, at times, reminds us of Van Duren and The Scruffs(check out "Tell Me What You Want"). The Brigadier, one Matt Williams, says he's never heard of these bands and, naturally coming from the UK, that would be the case and, indeed, Williams influences are grounded mainly in his homeland. We hear strains of The Lilac Time/Stephen Duffy, The Zombies, The High Llamas, The Divine Comedy and The Kinks are here. There's lots and lots of 60s Brian Wilson here as the 60s vibe is strong, hard-to-miss and uniquely re-interpreted for 2007 here. There's some sleepy sunshine pop angles woven into the proceedings, too. In fact, here's a misnomer: this is a gripping, exciting sleepy delight! Hey, The Brigadier even got a quote from Wondermints! 'Wonderful sound. . .contagious songs'. Nice.

WOW!!! Influenced by the cream of pop and rock music from the rock and roll era through to the present day, The Brigadier (Matt Williams) writes very British, melodic pop songs with heart, melting chord changes, catchy choruses and sings in a charming, hushed vocal style that recalls some of the greats! Creation/Poptones boss Alan McGee was suitably impressed to offer Matt a gig at his Death Disco night in London. His influences include the great perfect pop-rock records of all time, they include records by - Queen, Nick Lowe, The Byrds, The Beach Boys, Dion, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Sparks, The Bee Gees, T-Rex, Pink Floyd, The Who, Big Star, The Raspberries, and many more! Not bad, eh? And that's not even the half of it! This disc is brimming with songs and styles that reads like a modern take on the "Rubble" series of great 60's British psych-pop! Lots of hooks and harmonies are the order of the day here! Strains of Colin Blunstone, 10CC, Queen, The Yellow Balloon, The Zombies, The Left Banke, Martin Newell, and Donovan also come to mind throughout! "He writes cool, catchy songs with his own distinctive style of totally original intelligent pop music that simply oozes hip, and is one of those rare animals - genuine and original melodies and lyrics, but with a very distinct 60's early pop feel - and it makes you feel great!" - PopWorldPromotes.com Can't say enough about this great find! A real grower and an absolute fun listen! GREAT!!!!!

The Brigadier has been busier than Lily Allen building an on-line army of fans, and here comes the full assault - debut album View From The Bath is half an hour of songwriting at its very finest. Davies, Wilson and McCartney spring to mind, but it's in the more subtle moments that the Brigadier comes into his own, with a distinctly modern view of British city life. Buy this now; cult status or major label stardom beckon, but it starts here, in the bath.