A fine songwriter and superb live performer, Matt Owens is the real deal and we’re delighted to premiere the new single ‘One for the Grapes’. Bursting with energy and fuelled by searing, wailing electric guitar, this is the sort of song designed to get a crowd moving. As soon as the first distorted notes resonate, the sonic tension builds. Through quieter moments, punctuated with thudding bass, Owens delivers an engaging vocal with an edge of grit. Then, he lets loose with that guitar, which really soars towards the end of the song. The accompanying video features a passionate live version of ‘One for the Grapes’, and the response and release of an audience out for a good time. The song is about the residency that Owens and his band set up in Bath’s liveliest pub. Their famous three-hour sets are distilled into one song, recreating the feel and energy of these popular gigs. There’s a lot of joy to be found here.
‘One for the Grapes’ is the opening track and first single from Owens’ forthcoming album, which is due out in February 2024. Promising to be an excellent follow-up to his 2022 album, ‘Beer for the Horses’, the new record is co-produced by Owens and AUK-favourite Robert Vincent, who also supplies blues harmonica on the track. Something to look forward to from the founder-member of the always-adventurous and gorgeous-sounding Noah and the Whale as we make our way through the bleak winter months. While you wait, absorb this and imagine yourself into the audience at one of Owen’s shows.
He did an excellent set with the band at last year’s Folk In The Park in Sutton. First saw him as part of Robert Vincent’s band at Ramblin’ Roots, where he did some old fashioned (and for my ears, much missed) dual and duelling lead guitar with CJ Hillman.