We last featured MatAre as he explored emotional unraveling with cinematic depth on the existential new single, Dissolution, so when we heard that the visionary Matthew Rousseau was back with Dancing With The Spirits, we were curious to say the least and couldn’t wait to share his universe once more.

Dancing With The Spirits opens with a cerebral riser and expands into MatAre’s signature, high quality, dark-wave vibes with epic 80s drums and sublime guitar work. We are enthralled and captivated, transported into his world as he shares the lyrics, “The moonlit waves that never touch your body, I′m in the darkness always watching, never seeing, keep you forever even knowing what may happen, but salty venom sprays your body after midnight…”

It’s cinematic and poetic, perfect for a scene in a TV show like Nine Perfect Strangers, or a movie like Obsession. The evolution of the track taps into melodic intricacies and the narrative unfolds as a tale of someone who has lost a love but still cannot let go.

Matthew Rousseau shares how he feels close to his muse in his heart, but also feels distant. It is like they can only watch from the shadows. Images of ghosts, darkness, and moonlight suggest memories and sadness, as well as the feeling that the relationship is over, but not in MatAre‘s mind.

The repeated hook, “dancing with the spirits of our love,” shows how Matthew is holding on to the memories of the love they once shared, even though that love might have died. The sentiments of existentialism, grief, longing, and the struggle to move on are relatable, and the sound of the track is cohesive with MatAre‘s wider discography. Of course, fans of The Cure will totally be able to vibe with Dancing With The Spirits too, and Matthew cites Sisters of Mercy as a sonic influence for this one too.

On the message, MatAre confesses, “There is a real story behind my new song but it’s too personal and close to home for me to put out in permanent press. I will say that my songs have double meanings, the first is always the direct meaning and this is no different. The song is about a ghostly presence dancing on the beach at night and under the stars. I am watching them and mesmerized by their beauty. The ocean, beach and sand and water, they are constant themes in my songs and in my life.”

MatAre creates and produces most of his music, working with collaborators like drummer Glenn Welman, mixing engineer Gabe Wolf, and vocalist Denisse Ferrara, whose background vocals add a haunting, atmospheric quality to the song. We have added Dancing With The Spirits to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream the exquisite wider discography of MatAre, and anticipate future releases.

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Establishing the mood with a dark-wave guitar soundscape featuring intricately layered bass and a sublime melodic guitar performance, MatAre opens Dissolution with his signature vibe and deep-rooted, introspective prose.

The talented artist from Atlanta sings, “I could tell you lies, whilst something in me dies, but honesty would open up the core, and make it even worse than it was before… dissolution…” – we always connect with what MatAre shares emotionally. He is a poet, and his raw authenticity always shines through.

He actually previewed Dissolution back in March on TikTok, where fans were equally hypnotised by what MatAre was sharing. Comments include, “That feels like a cool 80s action packed jam with a tale or two to tell ABOUT THAT ERA. I dig it!”, “Magical…”, and the rather poignant, “If today’s youth were born and raised on light eclectic mellow indie folk music the world would be much safer…”

As for his message, MatAre says, “Dissolution explores the breakdown of something that once felt stable – whether that’s a relationship, a belief, or a sense of self. Instead of a dramatic collapse, the song focuses on the slower, more subtle unraveling that happens over time.”

He adds, “It was written during a period of reflection where I found myself thinking about how things don’t always end with clarity – they often just fade, shift, and lose their shape. That idea became the emotional core of the track, both lyrically and musically.”

We love his philosophical depth and could imagine Dissolution being featured in a TV show like Nine Perfect Strangers, which taps into these existential and self-realized themes with a psychedelic edge. As for his influences, MatAre cites seminal acts like The Cure, Depeche Mode, and New Order. His artistry is certainly aligned with these great bands.

For Dissolution, we learn that MatAre enlisted South African drummer Glenn Welman to contribute the drum track which certainly adds value to the timeless dark-wave vibes. We also love the ethereal harmonies and the astral synth line which adds a euphoric element to the piece.

We have added Dissolution to our New Music Spotlight playlist and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s exquisite, growing discography, including the entirety of his EP, Brevity.

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Our fascination with MatAre seems to grow with every listen. We featured him at the end of last year as he tapped into his authentic nature with dark wave escapism at the forefront of his single, Into the Sea, so naturally, we were curious to hear his first release of 2026, When Alone.

When Alone opens with a glistening guitar and padded drums, as MatAre shares a reflective message about existing between two places. He delves into notions of the quiet disorientation that comes from never fully belonging in situ.

We learn that the song was written from MatAre’s experience of traveling for work, and in essence, living a split life. When Alone holds a cinematic allure, relatable in many ways, and perfect for a sync placement that reflects his lived experience and the narrative that unfolds. He confesses, “I travel for work and have done so for 15 years. So, that means I actually live in two places. Ispend more time in my remote home. When Alone is about the confusion between these two places.”

The song explores elements of emotional confusion as MatAre questions the concept of home on a philosophical level. Instead of offering resolution, the song lingers and serves as introspective catharsis for the artist, accepting his reality, but also acknowledging it.

Sonically, MatAre shows us how When Alone is designed to prioritize atmosphere. He draws from a lineage of artists such as The Cure, New Order and The Smiths for this era, which is also a nod to his origins as an artist, introduced with his record, Veinte.

Originating from Atlanta, MatAre is the solo project of artist Matthew Rousseau, who wrote, recorded and produced When Alone himself. This most certainly showcases his authenticity and skillset, but also an intentional decision to ensure that the emotional core of the original demo remained intact.

When Alone not only signals a return to MatAre‘s roots, but also sets the tone for his upcoming four-song EP, Brevity. We have added When Alone to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s exquisite growing discography, and anticipate future releases from the star.

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Drawing us in with an ethereal riser, expanding into a glistening new wave, guitar soundscape, MatAre opens Into the Sea with atmospheric vocals as he shares the words, “Everywhere I go, and everyone I know, leads to back into, leads me right back into you…”

We are immediately enthralled by MatAre‘s universe and the metaphorical depth that manifests with the message of the song. As with the iconic song A Forest, by The Cure, where we are invited “into the trees”, this time MatAre invites us to connect with the expanse of the sea.

There is a timelessness that manifests with the track, and a cinematic allure that makes it perfect for a TV show like HBO‘s Euphoria or something more psychological that is actually set by the sea, such as Sirens.

MatAre confesses, “The beach [and] the sea influenced this release more than anything. I spend almost every evening at the beach, and it fills my life with relaxation, exercise, quiet solitude when the world seems anxious and busy. It also brings a constant place that is always there no matter what is going on. As far as other artists, I would say I continue on singing this song in the style of Peter Murphy from Bauhaus and a long solo career. I also sang in the spirit of his style in my last release, Epilogue. This tone of voice moves the song deeper into goth, new wave, dark wave territory where I feel comfortable.”

On his creative process, the star adds, “When I write songs, I usually do not know what I am going to write about. As it flows out of me, it becomes clearer and clearer, and I lean into a topic at that point. I also become more deliberate about the song idea. That is what happened with this songwriting process. I realized that I go to the beach every night to exercise, skimboard, which is a sport where a person runs at a high speed with a light weight and flat board and throws it on the thin layer of water. Then that person jumps on it, rides and does tricks or catches a wave and rides the wave. Anyway, I go to the beach and practice this relentlessly but what I am really doing, is seeking a calm and healthy environment to eliminate stress and loneliness. The beach and the evening sunset provide that happiness to me and keeps me from being an anxious angry mess.”

There is no doubt thatInto the Sea serves as a deeply immersive and reflective release. Its looping melodies and breakbeat pulse mirror the calm repetition of waves, whilst MatAre’s goth-leaning vocal tone adds emotional depth. The result is definitely hypnotic, intimate, and quietly powerful.

This track feels like MatAre is finding his true sonic identity – an authentic fusion of dark wave, post-punk, and modern textures. It certainly sets a strong foundation for his upcoming EP! Needless to say, we are in awe, and have added Into the Sea to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s exquisite, growing discography!

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Establishing the mood with a driving, dimensional soundscape, pulsing with the beat of the night, detailed with cosmic guitar riffs, MatAre opens Epilogue with a brooding dark-wave vocal and philosophical, metaphorical prose as he invites us into his universe.

We are captivated by the cinematic allure of the track and depth of the message as MatAre delivers poetic prowess and a dark reflection that closes his Extinction Burst album. The track serves as the final page of a story, after destruction has already happened. This feels like a very zeitgeist commentary and the words, “When will you understand?” are an extremely poignant observation on humanity.

Epilogue asks us to reflect on the mistakes of the past and whether anything was indeed learned. Its mood is heavy but cinematic at its core. The track could fit into a sequel of Drive or an episode of Upload. It is thoughtful in its shadows and leaves us with haunting questions in apocalyptic times.

Speaking on the recording process, MatAre confesses, “I recorded this song in Jacksonville, Florida in my home studio overlooking the downtown area. It is an area that is being restored and at night it has an eerie feel to it. Fireworks from the stadium go off some nights and light up the neighbourhood with explosion like reflections.”

He cites Human Tetris, New Order, and Orbital as sonic influences for the song, which feels appropriate, and certainly manifests with the soundscape, although there is no doubt that MatAre creates with his own unique vision and that more often than not comes down to his philosophical brand of lyricism.

We have added Epilogue to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s growing discography, including I Could Kill You But I Love You, Forever Light, and of course the entirety of Extinction Burst.

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Our obsession with MatAre seems to grow with every listen. We have featured a few of the talented artist’s recent releases, so when we heard that he was back with I Could Kill You But I Love You, we were curious to say the least, and couldn’t wait to listen and share our experience!

I Could Kill You But I Love You opens with a dimensional and immersive indie-rock, shoegaze adjacent soundscape as MatAre shares the title of the track along with lyrics based around the concept.

Immediately, we are drawn into a cinematic universe with the song – perfect for a Gregg Araki film or a sequel of Thelma and Louise. There is a deep rooted intelligence to the songwriting, and a relatable mood that reminds us of a certain time during Buffy The Vampire Slayer when Spike was torn between loving and killing her.

Fans of The Cure and Bowie would be able to connect with I Could Kill You But I Love You. “Let’s dance into the cosmos, let’s dance until tomorrow…” sums up the energy of the song. It’s uplifting, astral, and groove-laden. The instrumental performances are sublime, and we are in awe of MatAre‘s brooding yet hypnotic timbre! He comments, “Throughout the song, I repeat the phrase ‘let’s dance‘, which is ironic because I don’t dance, but also it’s a nod to my son who is a big David Bowie fan and Bowie’s mega hit just came to mind when I was writing this. Dancing is also a metaphor for living in my song.”

As far as the ethos of the song goes, it is perfect for MatAre‘s wider discography, and if that wasn’t enough – the song has a fade out – something we really don’t experience enough in music today! Speaking on the message of the release, MatAre says, “I Could Kill You But I Love You delves into a narrative that juxtaposes feelings of hatred and love.”

We learn that the track was recorded in MatAre‘s home studio in Sarasota, Florida! Philosophically, he adds, “Picture on the right a group of trashy, ignorant, uneducated, people who I hate and who are leading the country in a direction I don’t like and picture on the left three people I love. I say to the people on the right I could kill you and I turned to the people on the left and say, but I love you.”

On that note, we have added I Could Kill You But I Love You to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS and TRIPPY playlists, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s wider discography, and anticipate the release of his upcoming album!

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MatAre’s latest single, The Siren, is a hauntingly beautiful and cinematic piece that masterfully blends post-punk, new wave, and goth rock. The solo project of Atlanta-based artist Matt Rousseau, MatAre has been crafting evocative and deeply emotional soundscapes since 2020. With The Siren, he explores a compelling and cautionary tale of fascination, mystery, and ultimate peril – a thematic departure from his typically introspective songwriting.

The Siren opens with a cerebral texture reminiscent of an altered state of consciousness, evoking a dreamlike or even psychedelic experience akin to a DMT trip. The track immediately transports us to an otherworldly realm, where layered, textured drums and a dimensional bassline intertwine seamlessly. Rousseau’s atmospheric vocals hover like a spectral presence, adding a sense of longing and danger, while astral guitar melodies weave an intricate web of emotion.

The guitar work is particularly noteworthy – dynamic, celestial, and evocative, it channels the gothic allure of The Cure’s A Forest” while embracing the eerie vastness of oceanic horror themes. The song’s chord changes are undeniably cinematic, reinforcing its potential as a perfect fit for a film soundtrack. The finale is especially breathtaking, with sublime harmonies that crescendo into an immersive, hypnotic conclusion.

The lyrics of The Siren are poetic and metaphorical, an ode to the dangerous allure of the unknown. MatAre draws from his personal experiences with the ocean, a source of both beauty and trepidation. He describes spending countless hours skim-boarding along the shore, observing the unpredictable forces at play beneath the surface – an experience that inspired the song’s narrative. The protagonist is mesmerized by a mysterious force, a siren’s call that is as enchanting as it is destructive. This shift away from Rousseau’s usual introspective lyricism into storytelling adds a new dimension to his artistry.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Siren is its unique recording process. Rousseau recorded the vocals at night inside a lifeguard enclosure on a Jacksonville, Florida beach, an effort to capture the raw spirit of the song. This organic approach enhances the authenticity of the track, making the listener feel as if they are standing by the shoreline, immersed in the song’s haunting narrative. This attention to environmental detail elevates The Siren beyond conventional production techniques, making it a deeply immersive experience.

MatAre’s musical evolution is evident in The Siren. While still retaining the introspective depth that characterizes his previous work, this song ventures into new sonic and thematic territories. The influence of post-punk and goth rock is more pronounced here than in any of his past releases, signaling a bold artistic shift.

With an album on the horizon, The Siren serves as a mesmerizing preview of what’s to come. Rousseau has expressed that this is his strongest song yet, a testament to his growth as a songwriter and producer. Fans can expect an extensive series of releases throughout 2025, culminating in a full-length project that will further explore these darkly poetic landscapes.

The opus is a masterful fusion of storytelling, atmosphere, and musical depth. It embodies the hypnotic charm and cinematic grandeur that make MatAre’s work so compelling. The song’s dynamic instrumentation, celestial guitar riffs, and metaphorical lyricism create a rich, immersive experience that lingers long after the final note.

For fans of The Cure, gothic aesthetics, and hauntingly poetic narratives, The Siren is a must-listen. It stands as a defining moment in MatAre’s discography – a song that doesn’t just tell a story but fully engulfs its listener in a beautifully eerie world of its own. We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TRIPPY and TIMELESS playlists!

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We previously featured MatAre for his timely anthem of faith under the Capricorn full moon, Forever Light, so naturally in the wake of tonight’s full, wolf moon in Cancer, the talented and prophetic artist has unveiled, Under A Stone.

The new opus is a spellbinding blend of nostalgic melodies and heartfelt storytelling that channels the evocative spirit of 80s new wave music. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and The Sundays, Under A Stone is a profound exploration of solitude and acceptance, reflecting the Atlanta-based artist Matt Rousseau’s personal experience of living away from loved ones. The result is a dynamic and deeply authentic piece that transforms themes of isolation into a narrative of resilience.

What sets Under A Stone apart is its lyrical candor and poetic finesse. The introspective lyrics delve into the human condition with a mix of melancholy and optimism, encapsulating universal truths while maintaining an intimate tone. The song’s prose feels natural yet profound, with lines that invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of solitude and self-discovery. The juxtaposition of upbeat instrumentation with contemplative lyrics creates a captivating duality, underscoring the charm of MatAre’s songwriting style.

One of the standout features of the track is its remarkable guitar work, which serves as a homage to the shimmering tones of 80s new wave. MatAre’s guitar performance is layered and multidimensional, creating a lush soundscape that oscillates between dreamy and driving. Each chord and riff is meticulously crafted, adding depth and texture to the song’s overall composition. The guitar’s bright, jangly tones carry a nostalgic weight, reminiscent of Johnny Marr’s signature style, yet feel fresh and uniquely MatAre’s own.

The song’s theme of solitude, inspired by MatAre’s personal life, is universal in its appeal. The artist’s ability to turn his detachment from family into a narrative of acceptance and even optimism is a testament to his skill as a songwriter. By pairing these introspective lyrics with an upbeat, almost cheerful melody, Under A Stone invites us to dance with our despair rather than be weighed down by it. It’s a poignant reminder that even in moments of isolation, there is beauty to be found in self-reflection and resilience.

The track was recorded in MatAre’s traveling home studio in Fort Walton Beach, a detail that adds an intimate and personal touch to the production. South African drummer Glenn Welman brings a steady yet dynamic energy to the song, while Gabe Wolf’s expert mixing and mastering elevate the final product to professional heights. Wolf, known for his work with Kurt Vile and Middle Kids, adds a polished edge to the raw emotional core of the track.

Under A Stone is a triumph of emotional authenticity and musical craftsmanship. MatAre’s ability to blend dream-pop, indie rock, and post-punk influences into a cohesive and engaging sonic experience is truly impressive. The track’s shimmering guitar tones, introspective lyrics, and thematic depth make it a standout release, showcasing MatAre’s evolving artistry. This single not only honors the legacy of its influences but also carves out a unique space for MatAre in the indie music scene.

For fans of emotionally charged music with a nostalgic twist, Under A Stone is a rewarding listen, offering a moment of solace and connection in a world often marked by disconnection. We have added the track to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our TIMELESS playlist!

The post Under A Stone by MatAre: A Nostalgic yet Fresh Ode to Solitude and Resilience, Blending 80s New Wave Inspirations with Authentic Prose and Dimensional Guitar Mastery appeared first on KIMU.

Establishing the mood with intricate and immersive guitar melodies with atmospheric vocals, MatAre opens Perfect Constant with a brooding nature as he sings, “It’s my chance, to say goodbye, to the Perfect Constant by my side…”

The opus expands with introspective depth and textured drums, to take us on a journey with a high emotional quotient. We love the alternative rock soundscape that MatAre manifests, as well as the timeless nuance and the instrumental mastery exhibited by the talented creator.

Lyrically, Perfect Constant feels authentic and laced with poetic prowess. We connect with the relatability of MatAre, also known as artist Matt Rousseau‘s message and the captivating manner in which he brings it to life.

Speaking on the message of Perfect Constant, MatAre confesses, “The song is about what I would do if I had one day left to live. It’s about spending that one day with loved ones, not being afraid, being grateful for the life I’ve had and not being concerned with spiritual matters. It’s deeply personal but…short and sweet at the same time.”

MatAre cites a range of sonic influences, including Peter Murphy, The Sundays, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Drab Majesty, The War On Drugs, and Front 242, but there is no doubt that Matt Rousseau is manifesting a sound of his own!

We learn that Perfect Constant was recorded in Promenade Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, co-produced with Igor A., and mixed and mastered by Mick Morrison, a freelance engineer who spent years working at famed Abbey Road Studios!

We love what MatAre is creating, and the subversive roots of his moniker which translates as, “I will kill”, in Spanish. Matt tells us, “Making pleasant, lovesick dreampop helps me keep those demons at bay!”

Perfect Constant has been added to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we continue to stream MatAre‘s wider discography, including Veinte, and Dream About You, and we anticipate future releases from the talented artist.

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