Matthew Dear - Asa Breed

Funky techno pop. Matthew Dear has honed his style to produce some consistently exciting releases. _Asa Breed_ is no different. Whether the upbeat and perky “Neighborhoods” or the 80s vibe of “Deserter,” he crafts personal statements with each track. His innovative approach to reminds me of Jamie Lidell. Certainly their voices have vastly different qualities, but their sense of fun in approaching the material is evident. He gives Britney Spears a run for her money with the slinky “Shy,” and “Pom Pom” seems as about as traditional as a love song as he’s willing to go, with his falsetto providing the background chorus. “Death to Feelers,” with simple guitar strumming and a simple melodic motif, shows off a more calm and moody side of Dear, an emotion that leads smoothly into “Give Me More.” And for “Good to Be Alive,” he tackles country with a certain warped sensibility. Pretty awesome.