Balmy Summer Nights

While one of Australia’s most internationally known bands, Van She is on a well-deserved hiatus, Bassist Matt Van Schie has taken the opportunity to focus on his solo work. In February 2010, his EP “Balmy Nights“ was released to the world… And in the height of summer 2010.. I vote “Balmy Nights” as my choice for best summer album.

“Saturday Night” – Matt Van Schie

“Saturday Night,” the first single from Balmy Nights perfectly encompasses MVS‘s playful and subversively romantic spirit that is present throughout the EP. A “not so serious” attitude echoes throughout the retro tinged pop song featuring a chugging descending bass-line that rides through a sea of airy 80′s synths, hollow effect-laden verses and a MEGA chorus that will haunt your dreams for at least a week. I can only recall a handful of Saturday nights that would merit such a perfect Sunday morning hangover jam as whimsical and catchy as this instant classic… Even with the super cheese guitar solo in the bridge… Check out the GLOVES remix HERE... Which takes the song to a completely new level.

“Journey” – Matt Van Schie

If I were to ever categorize a piece of music as a nu-disco power ballad… “Journey” would be an immediate pick for #1… With contributed vocals by Van She synth player, Michael Di Francesco, this slow burning dream- pop masterpiece takes on an ethereal quality that’s equally captivating as it is endearing. Never have I heard a love song with such an effective, and catchy chorus hook as, “I need your love… My love is true. I need you,”: a statement that is as bold as it is beautiful.
“Journey” is the type of song that every man/woman/tranny who makes music wishes that they personally could have gracefully crafted. The video release fits the song like a glove and adds a visual and foreign element to the track that is worthy of repetitive views and endless 80′s love scene montages.

“Lady” – Van Schie

If you haven’t figured out that Matt Van Schie is a bit of a romantic by the time you get to “Lady” then you probably have no business reading any further.. Or for that matter, breathing oxygen… A bouncy bass-line complimented by an infectious guitar riff and spacey falsetto vocals make the track undeniably warm and summer-worthy. Of course the subject matter is self-explanatory.. Matt Van Schie simply wants you to be his lady tonight…

“Two Love” – Van Schie

Talk about saving the best for last… “Two Love” is a stunning piece that blew me away upon first listen. A true musical accomplishment for MVS as a solo artist and musician, the final track on the EP easily put to rest any concerns afloat regarding the musical quality and potential for greatness. Perfect pop timing and an entrancing intro, set-up a perfectly satisfying bass-drop that guides you through the 3:15-minute-long gem. Although attempted by beloved DJ/producer Diamond Cut, “Two Love” stands strong on its own and it’s hard to believe that anyone else besides Matt Van Schie could remix it into anything more seducing, or addictive.

I am truly looking forward to what the future will bring from Matt Van Schie as a solo artist, and eagerly await the release of Van She’s new album currently being recorded..

-By: COLOUR VISION

BONUS:

In May of this year, Matt Van Schie released “Versions” a remix album of “Balmy Nights” ft. touches by; GLOVES, Teenagersintokyo, Memory Tapes, Hemingway,  investigate it HERE