You could be forgiven for needing a little more information to identify Mattafix within your sonic radar. Inspired by one half of the duo’s heritage (*Marlon Roudette* was raised in St Vincent, West Indies) the band’s name is a take on the Caribbean saying, “No problem – matter fixed.” Similarly, the catchy tune Big City Life (from their 2005 debut longplayer Signs Of A Struggle) should solve any identification problems and cause you to break into song immediately.
“Shake your limbs ‘til they’re dim sims…” Singing along happily with the opening lyrics, I reach for the CD insert and chuckle to realise my mistake. The lyrics are, “Shake ya limbs to da rhythms hymns… ” From the first funky strains and mid-song, megaphone, rap breakdown of Shake Your Limbs it’s evident that Mattafix’s sophomore release is set to push some buttons. Twisted bass sounds that could be borrowed from Roots Manuva’s Witness and a distorted siren underscore lyrical barbed wire: “Bombs are dropping on Iraq and Lebanon/ (It’s like) Vietnam all over again.” The song was written when Mattafix returned from performing a couple of shows in Tel Aviv – a few days after which Israel started bombing Lebanon.
The music of Marlon Roudette and Preetesh Hirji is easy on the ear with a message that hits hard. Second track Living Darfur calls to mind the melody and pace of Keep Myself Awake by True Live although the backing harmonies, supplied by South African Zulu singers, wouldn’t sound out of place on the soundtrack for The Lion King musical. Wailing slide guitar introduces Angel with a divine melody that complements Roudette’s distinctive, pathos-drenched vocal as he ponders “Where is love?” Rapping comes in unexpectedly. Once you get over the fact that his flow sounds a little like Ali G, the contrast between his two modes of address is the texture that characterises Mattafix’s unique brand of global music/ social commentary.
A plethora of production and mixing talent is utilised on Rhythms & Hymns and Jason Cox (of Damon Albarn’s Gorillaz) puts his stamp on Stranger Forever, Freeman and In The Background. The latter has received a fair bit of radio airplay and kicks off with scratching percussion. This offering is glorious in its simplicity and sorrow infiltrates Roudette’s vocal in stark contrast to the assertive lyrical content – “You say you want me, I don’t believe you. ‘Cause I’m on track now.” Jim Abiss (who tweaked their debut effort Signs Of A Struggle) returns to the fold and Things Have Changed and In My Life both welcome his prowess.
Anyone who witnessed the Matttafix set at Parklife in 2006 will know this act detonates onstage. Their live show defies the backyard BBQ vibe of the twosome’s recorded material. Their sound is hard to pigeonhole. Different instruments rise to the surface in each track with the steel-pan being the first instrument Roudette mastered. Beautiful Balinese-sounding percussion and thumb piano elevates Memories Of Soweto and Nathan Lee supplies a flute box in closer Far From Over. That’s right, like a beatbox but using the aforementioned woodwind instrument. This unique musicality sits atop keyboard trills and haunting, minimal strings to produce a lullaby effect.
Mastered by Howie Weinberg (who’s worked with Nirvana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Beastie Boys) at New York’s Masterdisk, this visionary collection is sure to infiltrate your soul. Prioritise Mattafix at their upcoming festival appearances: The Falls festival, Field Day and Southbound. Their Rhythm & Hymns are nothing short of celestial.
