ALBUM REVIEW: Mat Hunsley – The Things We Need

There’s always a beautiful buzz in the air when a local artist achieves something incredible. Mat Hunsley’s album The Things We Need is that something incredible, in spades, and it’s an exquisite example of what an album should be: meaningful.

An entirely self-produced collection of nine alt. folk think-pieces, the album is no small feat; writing impeccable, beautiful songs, learning how to self-produce and mix them, and being a fully qualified doctor all at the same time are heavy objects to juggle. This doesn’t stand in the way of quality, though: each track is densely thought out, covered in detail, and effortlessly expressive of exactly what Mat’s thinking – whether about family, politics, or his own conscience. From opener There’s Been A Death to the closing title track The Things We Need (a personal standout), there’s bucketfuls of beautiful sentiment to be found here.