Artist: Matthew Santos
Album: Into The Further
Production: Produced and mixed by Matthew Santos; Mix engineer: Greg Magers; Mastered by: Rollin Weary at IV LAB Studios
It often takes an act and sense of destiny to make people realize they’re on the verge of an important change in their personal and professional lives. Whether or not they truly accept the idea that predetermined fate can influentially guide their life’s path has always been the subject of debate in faith. But when people are offered an opportunity that can undeniably offer them more diverse experiences, it’s essential to at least consider exploring those options. That enticing chance to completely revitalize your relationships and work is captivatingly analyzed in singer Matthew Santos’ gripping new album, ‘Into The Further.’ After receiving worldwide attention for ‘Superstar,’ his 2008 collaboration with Lupe Fiasco, Santos rightfully decided to utilize that fame to reconnect with his genuine musical interests. He returned to his authentic love of soul-infused folk rock music, instead of conforming to only play similar songs that would guarantee further success.
On his seventh official release, the Chicago singer, who also plays the guitar, begins with the enthralling instrumental title track, and its soul-searching intensity in the drums and strings makes people question their goals. After ‘Into the Further’ naturally reinforces the idea that people should remain committed to their beliefs, the record smoothly transitions into another enticing song, ‘Ojos,’ which questions the purpose of life. Amidst the intense rock-infused drums, the track makes listeners believe that they can be go after what they love.
During ‘Under the Microscope,’ the third entry on the album, Santos fully infuses his vocal prowess through the powerful revelation that people only truly learn about, and accept, their beliefs by studying everything in life. While focusing too strongly on your own experiences can keep you trapped in the past, the only real way to move on is to embrace change and the diverse happenings around you. This is especially true in relationships that are strained, as those people may truly love each other. But they won’t be the perfect match until they help themselves, and embrace new ideas and changes, first.
‘Seven Years’ and ‘It All Works Out,’ the next two songs on ‘Into the Further,’ are equally powerful explorations into embracing the changes that are needed to make it through a difficult relationship. On ‘Seven Years,’ Santos passionately describes seeing the other person as an unstoppable force in their life, but finally realizes that they both have to move on from their doomed relationship, in order to finally mature and live their lives. The similar rock-infused ‘It All Works Out’ chronicles the importance of making it through a difficult relationship. The musician infuses soulful emotions into his stance that he has to stay strong, especially if he wants to work towards enlightenment about the world and his relationships.
Santos then intriguing moves into the expressive ‘Second Chances,’ in which he reveals his vulnerabilities as he acknowledges that he finally understands the person he loves. While they’re genuinely connected, their choices lead to harrowing consequences, which he’s all to aware of as he tries to save their connection. He also emotionally ponders if the person he loves will rise up to put as much effort into saving their bond, or if he should finally want to start over and move on.
The acoustic-infused next track, ‘Succumb to Gravity,’ is one of the stand-out entries on the record, as Santos reveals that he’s fumbling to survive life. While he finally accepts his existence for for what it is, and admits that he can’t control everything, his vulnerability makes the song the most relatable on the album. He finally sees his life for what it is, and finally feels empowered to move on.
While ‘White Gloves,’ the folk-rock next entry on ‘Into the Further,’ is one of the surprising few unmemorable songs Santos crafted on the album, the singer quickly redeems himself with ‘End of the Pipeline (Have a Nice Day!).’ The musician finally embraces his ability to fight for what he wants, which powerfully encourages people to have the same optimistic outlook about their relationships and future. While he admits that grief can’t always be controlled, accepting the end of a relationship allows a person to truly move on.
Santos then gracefully moves into the subtlely endearing and empowering ‘Field and Flower,’ which creatively focuses on the string instruments as he questions why it feels like he’s always hurting the person he loves. While the two are trying to protect each other, they’re unable to offer true emotional security to each other amidst their false promises. The song, which has the potential to be a true emotional radio ballad, emotionally emphasizes people’s fear of being alone and away from the person they love, especially since they’ve always embraced the joys of a powerful relationship.
The record’s next entry, ‘Just to See You (Take 2),’ features a soulful piano undertone, but the overall feeling is somber as Santos notes he wants to move forward in life. While the singer tries to be uplifting in his hope for the future, the track isn’t as empowering as its follow-up, ‘Winter’s Song.’ The commanding guitar and string performances support the musician’s lyrics, with which he reveals he wants to move forward with the person he loves. He doesn’t need to use many words to convey that he feels his relationship is finally helping to save him.
Santos then moves into another relatable and stunning soulful song, ‘Who Am I to You,’ in which he passionately sings about reuniting with the person he wants to be with after the declare their love for each other. However, they have to clarify what they truly mean to each other, so that they don’t remain stuck in the same place in their relationship. While they have repeatedly spoken about their bond, some things have remained unspoken, as they don’t want to hear each other’s true feelings. But since they can no longer maintain a positive relationship, they’re grippingly trying to accept that they may never be together again.
‘Into the Future’ then ends with a more upbeat exploration into truly and fully accepting the ending of a once meaningful relationship, and no longer being upset about it. With the encouraging trumpets, trombones and other instruments, the musician finally has a powerful epitome of accepting where he is in his life.
Emotionally contemplating the belief that predetermined fate can influentially guide your life path, and powerfully impact and guide your relationships, is an intriguing and sentimental journey for everyone. Learning and growing from your past experiences, as you maturely accept that they can also beneficially influence your future, is a gripping theme throughout Santos’ latest album, ‘Into the Future.’ The Grammy-nominated Chicago musician enthrallingly infused soul-searching and rock-inspired instrumentals and lyrics into the diverse 14 songs on the record, which powerfully revesld that people can truly learn about life by studying and examining all of their experiences, regardless of whether or not they’re positive encounters.
Listen to two of Santos’ songs from ‘Into the Future,’ including ‘Seven Years’ and ‘It All Works Out,’ and watch the video for ‘Seven Years’ on Audiotree Live, below. To learn more information about the musician, visit his official website, as well as his Facebook and Twitter pages.
Written by: Karen Benardello