Cali EP by Matthew And The Atlas: A Folk-Fueled Journey That Sticks Like Glue
Let’s cut to the chase—Matthew And The Atlas’ Cali EP isn’t your run-of-the-mill folk record. Released back in 2018 (yeah, I know, feels like forever ago), this little gem hails from Europe and wears its heart on its sleeve. It’s self-released under Not On Label, which is fancy talk for “we did it ourselves, thank you very much.” With genres spanning Folk, World, Country, and Singer/Songwriter vibes, this four-track wonder feels like a warm hug wrapped in acoustic strings. But don’t let the cozy label fool you—it’s got bite.
Now, onto the tracks. First up, “Sleepless River” grabs you by the soul and doesn’t let go. Picture this: late-night thoughts swirling around like leaves caught in an autumn breeze. The melody is hauntingly simple, yet it hits harder than most overproduced pop songs these days. You’ll find yourself humming it while brushing your teeth or zoning out at work—don’t lie, we’ve all been there. There’s something about the way Matthew layers his voice with sparse instrumentation that makes you feel seen. Like, he gets it. Life can be messy, but hey, so are rivers when they’re sleepless.
Then there’s “Cali,” the title track and emotional anchor of the EP. If “Sleepless River” is introspective midnight musings, “Cali” is sunrise clarity. This one sticks because it’s both dreamy and grounded—a paradox only great songwriters pull off without sounding pretentious. The lyrics paint vivid images of longing and escape, tied together with melodies that linger longer than last night’s questionable taco decision. By the time the final note fades, you’re left wondering if Cali is a place, a person, or just a feeling you can’t quite put into words. Either way, it works.
The other two tracks, “Pay It No Mind” and “Seventeen,” round out the collection nicely. They’re solid, no doubt, but they play more like supporting actors rather than scene-stealers. Still, they keep the vibe consistent—no filler here, folks.
What strikes me most about Cali EP is how unapologetically human it feels. In a world drowning in auto-tune and algorithmic playlists, Matthew And The Atlas reminds us that music can still be raw, real, and relatable. Sure, it might not change your life overnight, but it’ll definitely make your commute less miserable.
So, would I recommend this EP? Absolutely. Just don’t blame me if you start crying during “Sleepless River” in public. Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album may cause spontaneous urges to book a one-way ticket to California—or wherever your personal “Cali” happens to be. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya.
