What's That noise?

Michelle da Silva

Matthew de Zoete

Matthew de Zoete lists Nick Drake, Elliot Smith, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison among his influences, and a listen to his newest album, Bottom of the World, proves that he’s not too far from adding his name to that exclusive list of talented pop-rock-folk musicians.

Hailing from Hamilton, ON, de Zoete shows incredible songwriting talent for his twenty-five years. Since the release of his 2006 debut, Across the Sea, de Zoete has shown tenderness in his vocals that is comparable to Belle and Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch. Singles “Letters Sent by Mail” and “Sparkle Eyes” display de Zoete’s complex musicianship within very singable, easy-listening folk tunes. And while de Zoete’s first album burst at the seams with soft, acoustic folk lullabies, his follow-up shows his growth towards a more mature, folk-rock sound. The single “Pictures on the Wall” matches a bigger and richer accompaniment with de Zoete’s more soulful and confident voice, while “Not on Fire” shows off de Zoete’s more playful and cheeky side.