John Matthias: Stories from the Watercooler

John Matthias
Stories from the Watercooler

Matthias is not only a schoolmate of Thom Yorke: he also played strings on The Bends. Yet his preoccupations are more in keeping with Yorke’s solo project – ‘The Eraser’- than with that other band from Oxford. Disillusionment with modern life is coupled with banjo and harmonium accompaniment- an arrangement that Matthias’ modernist poet namesake would enjoy. Amid Cold Cut’s sparse production Matthias’ somber, gravelly voice tells tales of terrorism (‘One Sunny Morning in the No-Fly Zone), small town rivalry (King of a Small Town) and busking (‘Stocktaking’). Wry lyrics sometimes belittle content- not least when he describes bombs with Britney Spears’ face painted on them. Ultimately, however, the suite of ’12 short stories put to song’ overcomes such obstacles.

‘Stories from the Watercooler’ offers an experience akin to visiting a house where you once lived. Things that were once familiar have changed, and things that you were once assured of have become unstable. Lyrically alienating, but melodically embracing, it’s a record that is at odds with its surroundings.