By: Staff
We had the privilege of experiencing the latest release by Govey/Matthew, "JUSTICE XXIII,", and from the very first note, we were captivated.
What stands out immediately is the sheer magnitude of the stage production sound this recording delivers. The moment the song enters the audible soundscape, it becomes evident that it was meticulously crafted to enthrall the listener with bold, brilliant instrumentation and vocals, an ambitious attempt to rival the greats of both Broadway and rock and roll. This is no easy feat, yet it is executed masterfully.
We've heard this band compared to Pink Floyd, and if you think that's an intimidating benchmark, you're still understating the gravity of such a claim. Pink Floyd wasn’t just a band; they were an era-defining force, the pinnacle of sonic storytelling. So, when we realized just how remarkable this duo is, we didn’t just agree with the comparison, we felt that Govey/Matthew are truly worthy torchbearers of this historic and nearly extinct sound.
The track opens with delicate acoustic picking and soft, layered violins, setting the stage with incredible harmonic saturation. This serves as the red-carpet introduction for the raspy, enriched vocals that feel both authentic and haunting. The delivery early on is soft-spoken yet emphatic, hypnotic yet heartbreakingly raw. The vocalist carries the weight of an emotionally shattered protagonist, channeling an almost Broadway-like grandeur of pain and sorrow. To call this song a ballad is to understate its impact, it is an emotional odyssey, a heart-wrenching expression of despair, carrying the weight of a soul bleeding out and questioning everything: "Where is the justice?"
And then comes one of the most brilliant decisions Govey/Matthew made, the fusion of this incredible gut-wrenching vocal performance with an electrifying guitar solo that feels as rare and precious as a lost relic of rock history. The impeccably performed guitars are full, explosive, and drenched in warmth and brightness, yet they carry an ethereal dreaminess underscored by a blues infusion. If you know "In the Flesh," you’ll understand, though, if you don’t, you might want to take a moment to educate yourself before proceeding. What Govey/Matthew have done with "JUSTICE XXIII" is nothing short of extraordinary; they have taken the impossible and breathed new life into it, forging a sound that is entirely their own.
There is an undeniable sense of creation here, like witnessing the birth of a musical universe. Dynamic harmonies, sustained wailing guitars, punchy yet deliberate drumming, and an echoing vocal finale combine to create an awe-inspiring experience. The guitars send shivers down the spine, and every element of this track exudes the kind of mastery that suggests future legend status. They say artists must die before they are truly appreciated, if that's the case, then Govey/Matthew may already be Ghosts in the Machine.
To say the production on this recording is excellent is an understatement. The perfect balance of edginess and raw energy was preserved, ensuring that the sweat and passion of every artist involved remained intact. Huge kudos to the engineers, who did everything from laying cable to mastering the final mix, they captured lightning in a bottle.
This is a band to hold dear and share widely, as they are breathing new life into a lost art form. "JUSTICE XXIII" is not just a song, it’s a revival, a resurrection of something truly magical, and we are all the better for experiencing this work of musical art by Govey/Matthew.
JUSTICE (XXIII) was recorded in tribute to Ian Matthew,
who passed away in 2020 during lockdown.
R.I.P.
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
Bình luận