The latest single from Canada’s Colour Film is deep and dark and intense. This live version of ‘Ghost Town’ is beautifully arranged and performed, captivating from start to finish. After years performing under his own name, singer-songwriter and guitarist Matthew de Zoete began releasing music as Colour Film in 2016. On his latest material, de Zoete is supported by Kori Pop and the blend of their voices is sublime. Their vocals pull together and apart, delivering surprising and entrancing harmonies and the result feels incredibly intimate. Here, further texture is added by flourishes of lilting lap steel from Les Cooper; towards the end his playing becomes central to the song and it’s uplifting to watch and listen to. The well-shot video, created by Blue Pick Media, reinforces the mood and draws us into the song.
The album-version of ‘Ghost Town’ features on ‘Half an Hour’, which was released in April 2024. The album was recorded prior to the pandemic but the release was delayed by a serious injury that almost ended de Zoete’s music career. Performing these songs now feels like the stirring of old memories from a far-off, forgotten life. The artists involved in the recording process worked closely together, with the intimacy of the small studio reinforcing the personal nature of the songs. De Zoete explains: “We rehearsed on a Tuesday, and then over the next three days the songs were recorded live off the floor with everyone in one room. Kori and I sang our vocals live together as we were tracking the songs, and I think it shows. It was an intense experience,knowing I had to deliver on voice and guitar in that environment, but it was also liberating knowing the only overdubs would be a few flourishes to the keeper-takes.”
De Zoete says of his musical development: “My music continues to be a work in progress. I’m further along than I’ve been before and not as far as I hope to get. I think I’ve grown as someone who writes and sings songs in an effort to connect with other people. Working with Kori has broadened my experience of the songs. The music and words expand and resonate more deeply when I sing with her. I think it’s my best work yet.” Indeed – this is resonant and atmospheric. Be absorbed.
