East Sussex’s own folk/rock/electronic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Matt Saxton has graced us with a new single, “The Edge of Things” this June 28. This release connects to the struggle of owning up to one’s identity and yearning for the spotlight but finding oneself perpetually on the sidelines. Saxton’s second single from his upcoming album captures this sentiment with upbeat charm.
“The Edge of Things” opens with a soothing and gentle guitar strum that sets a calming tone, accompanied by jangling percussion. Saxton’s deep, resonant voice enters with the line, “I am on the edge of things,” laying vulnerability down with straightforwardness. Just then, the brass blows with clarity, adding a rich texture to the soothing arrangement, and enhancing the song’s melodic depth with vibrance.
Saxton’s lyrics poignantly convey a sense of powerlessness and longing. He dreams of being “front and center” but feels like a spectator in the film of his own life. This feeling of lack of control, of being pushed around by life’s unpredictable currents, is something many listeners will find deeply relatable due to the hefty demands of modern life. The relatable lyrics, combined with the buoyant instrumentals, create a song that is both reflective and uplifting. Meanwhile, the upbeat instrumentals convey the positivity we fake through this struggle to seem sane and well, but they also lighten up the relatable struggle delineated in the lyrics and make this song much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Towards the end of “The Edge of Things,” a warmer current blows through the arrangement, wrapping up the song with resolution. Listen to the relatable and raw “The Edge of Things” by Matt Saxton on Spotify.
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Photo Credit: El Saxton
Review by Naomi Joan