Review: ‘Distant Chatter’ – Matthews Baartmans Conspiracy

The duo, made up of singer-songwriter Iain Matthews and guitarist/singer-songwriter/producer 

BJ Baartmans, came together to find solace in co-writing during the pandemic. The result is this unique collection of colourful songs.

It opens with the gentle tones of ‘Sleepwalking’, the slow, soothing tempo matching the lyrical content, laid-back drums keep it moving forward whilst the tone of the electric guitar is lovely. It also tackles topical themes of racism in the aptly titled track ‘Are You a Racist’.

The stripped back ‘Here’s Looking At You’ allows the pair to demonstrate how their vocals blend together but there is an element of sadness to the song.

To summarise, the soundscapes they create are unique but soothing throughout and their lyrics are sharp. It’s a well-worked record that should make for a good, acoustic live set too.