ALBUM REVIEW: Matt Maltese – Hers

The Orchard

Released: 16.05.25

One of the most prolific and talented songwriters in music today, Matt Maltese found his voice almost immediately on his first album; a concoction of heartfelt, heart-on-the-sleeve emotion and dry humour. With his last album it seemed Matt had moved away from the humour somewhat, but it returns in full force here. Not in a way that ever detracts from the gravity of his given subject, but in a way that adds to it – his calling card and particular talent – Arthouse Cinema beginning the record with this element foregrounded. Anytime, Anyplace, Anyhow is a particular highlight, with a gorgeous melody and fiendishly wry lyrics that are a good touchstone for the underlying longing present throughout the album.

Beautifully crafted songs, lusciously produced, Hers is a return to top form. Matt wonderfully articulates with a mix of wryness and tenderness the embarrassing inner-life truths of the modern person in a way universal yet uniquely his own. In Matt’s own words, Everybody Is Just As Crazy As Me. A brilliant album closer, lyrically dextrous Take My Advice – Don’t Take My Advice in particular may be Maltese’s most perfect encapsulation of modern life yet; and that is saying something.