Mat McHugh – Seperatista!
Seperatista! – Mat McHugh
by Aidan Roberts
Not to be confused with the gigantic and messy triple-album Sandanista! by The Clash, this solo record from The Beautiful Girls’ front-man Mat McHugh is a trundling, mellow affair. Sure to tide over the fans of that semi-laid-back surf rock outfit, Mat has delivered a likable collection of confessionals and earnestly chilled folk grooves. Trademarks from TBG’s sound are evident here and there; obviously McHugh’s meandering, folk baritone is instantly recognisable. The infectious minor-key hop of Loneliness brings some reggae into the proceedings, and the quietly cool Bad Blood. McHugh’s finger-work is great, in fact he almost doesn’t need the colouring of the jazz combo he assembled for this record. Mat says himself in a blog “this is not a jazz record, or a rock record, it’s just a record”, which is a nice way of looking at things in an overly arrogant climate. Despite suffering from slightly underwhelming melodies, this unassuming record tells its own quiet tale, and is a cut above the plethora of beach-rock out there.
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