The power of music extends beyond mere description since it literally brings listeners to an emotional state that matches that of the music. The New York City-based quartet MATTHEW LEE AND THE STANDBYS deliver a debut single “Falling Apart” which gives the listeners a feeling of listening in on someone’s deepest midnight confessions rather than hearing traditional song elements.

This track provides astonishing tonal symmetry between subdued indie-folk relaying of memories and intense alternative rock power. The band members Matthew Lee (vocalist, guitarist), Nick West (bassist and backing vocalist) and James Collins (drummer) together with Kevin Ray (play the keys and synthesizer) bring a deep musical connection although this is their initial original recording which follows their two previous cover album releases.

The production successfully follows the emotional path of the song by intensifying with forceful guitars and propelling rhythms until it astoundingly disintegrates in an exposed moment of profound openness. A sudden change in the musical dynamics reflects the song’s main message about when emotional intensity breaks through logical thinking in romantic situations.

Suspecting an influence from storytellers Kayleigh Goldsworthy, The Weakerthans and Frank Turner, MATTHEW LEE AND THE STANDBYS successfully precipitate the specific experience of anxious attachment characterized by incessant phone checking at late hours. The band offers unfiltered emotional songwriting while showing respect for all emotional chaos.

The forthcoming debut album “BLACK BOOK” has “Falling Apart” serving as its introduction through which MATTHEW LEE AND THE STANDBYS present themselves to listeners as creators who examine multilayered emotions in their music. The musical blend of folk-punk passion and indie rock style emerges as a signature sound which captures both comfort yet originality to produce an anthem for people who experienced the tangled memories of relationships that should never have occurred.

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