Didn’t Expect To Get Emotionally Steamrolled By A Folk-Country Record, But Even The Dying by Matthew Moore Got Me Good

There are albums that, you know, don’t really need explaining — and yet you sit down, open your laptop, set a cup of tea nearby, and start writing about them. Just because you want to. Because there’s something in them that sounds so inviting, so human, you simply want to enjoy it. That’s exactly the case with Even The Dying by Matthew Moore.

When you first start listening, you might think you’re in for something familiar from the folk-country world. But from the very first notes, it becomes clear that Matthew Moore offers a whole spectrum of impressions — from tender and melancholic to bright and even slightly festive. The whole album feels like an unhurried walk down a long country road, where every bump might reveal an unexpected view. And believe me, it really does.

The album has eight tracks, each carrying its own little story. One song holds memories of loss, another — gentle gratitude, a third — the anticipation of something meaningful. Love, acceptance, grief, humility, joy… It seems like Matthew, through these tracks, is having quiet conversations with himself and with the world around him.

Interestingly, the album was created entirely on his own. That decision shows how much freedom means to Matthew Moore in what he does. The modern industry often lays down rules, but here, there’s a clear devotion to a personal vision: the arrangements, vocals, lyrics — everything speaks to a certain kind of independence. Some might call it creative chaos or rebellion, but I see it more as a gentle and thoughtful path of an artist who knows exactly how his universe sounds.

Each of the eight tracks sounds like a standalone story, yet all of them are tied together by a common thread of sincerity — a quality that seems to form the foundation of the entire album. Those in love will appreciate its lyrical softness, while anyone caught in reflection might find solace in lyrics that hint at both sadness and hope. It’s hard to miss how much Matthew Moore values freedom and makes a point of emphasizing it in every detail. Even the song titles, it seems, weren’t chosen for their catchiness but rather for how honestly they reflect the artist’s inner state.

Even The Dying opens gently, almost imperceptibly. The first track sets the tone for the rest of the album. With a light atmosphere and Matthew Moore’s relaxed vocals, it unfolds simple yet striking images of life. The guitar sways softly, and the overall rhythm feels like a stroll through an old town lined with wooden benches and warmed by the glow of vintage lanterns. There’s no overblown emotion — just a genuine desire to share a story.

The Castle carries the magic forward, but here Moore’s voice takes on a subtle new color — a slight rasp that adds a unique charm. Falling in Love Tonight finds Moore leaning more into lyricism. The flowing guitar and gentle bass bring a sense of openness. The blend of instruments, at times merging into one current and then parting again, reveals unexpected nuances in his voice. Angela – This track brings out a classic country flavor that livens up the picture. Small touches — like the female backing vocals — add a certain charm, creating a subtle cinematic effect.

Old Man Lookin’ Back – right in the middle of the album comes a shift: the music grows noticeably more energetic, and the vocals seem to gain extra strength. The arrangement stays simple, preserving the album’s tone — Moore avoids dressing the melody up with unnecessary details, letting the moment remain natural and unfiltered. I’ll Be Home – returns to softer shades of folk-country. It offers that quiet sense of a peaceful evening — the kind where you can just be yourself.

This Is Done – a bright and slightly playful track that immediately gets your head nodding along. The light pop melody blends smoothly with folk-country stylings, making it a track that works with just about any mood. Coming Back to You – the final chord of the album. This song leaves a pleasant aftertaste, holding on to the romantic tone of the record and gently inviting you to hit repeat.

Even The Dying stands out with its unfiltered honesty. There’s no trace of an imposed producer-driven concept — more a quiet musical conversation with a friend. And thanks to the self-produced nature of the album, every instrumental move carries the intimacy of a handwritten line in a journal. The folk-country elements don’t overwhelm with grandeur; instead, they offer a warm backdrop where lyrics about love, self-acceptance, and connection stand out clearly. Even The Dying gives you a moment to pause and hear something genuine, free from excess. With this album, Matthew Moore takes a bold step toward music that’s sincere, kind, and a little vulnerable — and all the more moving for it.

https://indieboulevard.com/2025/04/08/didnt-expect-to-get-emotionally-steamrolled-by-a-folk-country-record-but-even-the-dying-by-matthew-moore-got-me-good/

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

VoyageLA: Check Out Matthew Moore’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Moore.

Hi Matthew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m originally from New Zealand but came to LA in 2002. I was a drummer and played in many bands all over Southern California both in the studios and live. By being in the studio I started to learn production and songwriting and started building a home studio around 2007. Then in 2015 I opened a commercial studio “Summit Rehearsal & Recording Studios” in Pasadena.
It’s a studio that has grown to support the community where bands can record but also rehearse and network. In the age of the internet it’s been important for musicians to have a place to meet and hang.
After many years of producing other artists and bands I started recording my own music so I came off the drums to the front of stage where I now sing my own songs and have become an artist in my own right.
Instagram: @matthewmoore_music

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been challenges like Covid where we had to shut down for months and then come up with the money to pay the back rent to reopen.
The Eaton Canyon fires affected us a little bit with more shutdowns and the loss of some of the community right next door to us.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m from Manurewa, South Auckland, New Zealand. I grew up playing drums in a band called Mr Fuzz which was my musical schooling.
I then took off to Chicago to study and play drums and got into the music scene there for 3 years.
Next stop was Los Angeles where I studied drums at LACMA in Pasadena and went on to make a living playing in different bands around town and teaching.
I also got into music production and started a home studio business and learned on the job to record and mix records. That led me opening a commercial space “Summit Rehearsal & Recording Studios” in Pasadena where I wanted local bands to have an affordable place to practice and record.
During all of this I always wrote songs but because i looked at myself as a drummer I never thought I could sing and perform my own songs. Well after Covid I said I got to do this for myself or I’ll regret not giving my music a go so I started writing and recording a bunch of music and in 2024 I released my debut album “Even The Dying”

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am the head engineer at Summit and i work with musicians all the time. They just need to call Summit and ask for me if they want to record. I’m also open to collaborate with artists who would like to record together or have me produce a song or record for them.

https://voyagela.com/interview/check-out-matthew-moores-story

Album Review

Music has taken Matthew Moore across the world. Growing up in Kaitaia and South Auckland, his relocation to America has taught him the skills which developed his new album Even The Dying. This record is completely self-recorded, engineered and mixed, showcasing Moore’s commitment to enabling his own creativity anywhere and everywhere.

Although this collection is all about warm, bright country and Americana sounds, it immediately suggests more depth from its title track, which juxtaposes morbid lyrics about mortality against a cheery sonic backdrop. “There is no escaping, you’re no longer free”, Moore croons, but there’s a casualness to the delivery that makes life’s limited nature feel like no real weight on his shoulders. He depicts the end in great detail across these eight tracks, as a candlelit castle in the sky or as a nostalgic film reel of memories through the eyes of an old man. But the organic production makes this feel remarkably peaceful, accepting how there’s actually some comfort in knowing we’ll all meet the same fate.

Moore’s impressive musicianship spans across these songs, from gritty guitar playing and bluesy licks to rich harmonica instrumentals. Whilst occasionally, some more dynamic range helping the songs grow and change could be useful, overall the sound is well crafted and always serves to emphasise the simple, effective lyricism.

Highlights include This Is Done, which kicks off with an almost ironically happy hook before filling the soundscape with jaunty country guitars, as well as the bouncing basslines and romantic storytelling of Angela, all the more beautiful in the layered vocal harmonies. Falling In Love Tonight is also a standout, for its tranquil, spacious instrumentals and the way Moore pulls the listener into his perspective of an evening’s blossoming love.

For fans of the folk and Americana genres, Matthew Moore is a promising musical independent. His prowess in all aspects of music-making shows extreme talent, and his often ironic, passively resigned lyrical perspective is unique and engaging. Even The Dying would enjoy this prolific collection.

Review by Danica Bryant // 30 April 2025

https://www.muzic.nz/reviews/album-review-even-the-dying/

“Even the Dying” by Matthew Moore – Album

Sage Plapp April 15, 2025

Matthew Moore’s debut album, Even The Dying, is a beautifully crafted, self-produced folk/Americana piece with some rock influences and a focus on introspective storytelling. It was written with concepts such as betrayal, love, death, and redemption in mind, and the narrative weaves these in well track to track. This album is perfect for anyone who grew up listening to artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, and it works with dynamic production work and diversity in instrumental sounds to keep things interesting throughout.

From the get-go, the opening track, “Even the Dying,” establishes a cleanly produced folk/Americana sound with a beautiful rhythm built with the bass and percussion. Additionally, the guitars are mixed well, and harmonica portions add a pop with their bright buzz. Lyrically, this track seems to weave a narrative of someone close to death, looking back at life’s struggles and mistakes while feeling imprisoned by the impending end.

“The Castle” picks up the tempo a bit and provides a bit of a Western swing in its instrumentation. This one puts a lot of focus on the vocals and lyrical narrative that’s weaved. The baritone vocals carry a heartfelt sound, and there’s a bit of a spoken word aspect to it. This track explores a relationship that’s ending painfully. It seems to look back on old memories while finding acceptance of the end of the relationship. The lyricism that comes from lines such as, “The castle in the sky / say goodbye to you,” plays into the concept of death as explored in the prior track.

“Falling in Love Tonight” calms the energy down a bit and works with beautiful bends in the guitars to build into another heartfelt track. Additionally, there’s a lot of beauty in the harmonies that dash in for a duet sound. Rather than a bounce, this track has a sway to it. It captures lyricism that paints a story that goes along with the title, someone who’s starting to fall for another.

“Angela” follows up on the heartfelt sound of the last track well, but it bumps up the tempo and highlights some bendy strings. This track has a distinct mix with its strings that brings a lot of vibrance, and the vocal harmonies are absolutely beautiful. This track expresses what it’s like to be loved by another who has the ability to pull one into a better spot by showing love. This one’s chorus hits in with a catchy melody! Also, there’s a guitar solo that has a great slap to it.

After this, “Old Man Lookin’ back. goes back to an exploration of the end of a life, and it does so with a beginning that works with a more simple instrumentation with just guitars. Eventually, some more harmonica cuts in, and the rest of the instrumentation builds throughout this portion. Though the vocals are well defined, the instrumentation takes the stage as its sound fills up.

Then, things move on to “I’ll Be Home,” which takes on a brighter guitar tone and introduces some bendy vocals. There’s something about the vocal production in this track that takes on a more raw and soft sound. In terms of the lyrics, it gets into what it’s like being on the road to perform music with loved ones at home. It expresses being the same person before heading out despite change and growth, and it asks for open and welcoming arms.

Moving forward, “This Is Done” has a quick tempo that is built around a quick and clacky percussion. “I don’t know if you can take me with you / I don’t know if I should go / you don’t show that I’m the one you miss / so I will go ’cause this is done,” the chorus resounds. The lyrics that build around this chorus seem to get into a tale of feeling unloved and needing to close off a relationship.

“Coming Back To You” gives a lot more focus on the banjo, as a quick riff takes the spotlight in the instrumentation. The vocals once again hit a raw production, and like in some past tracks, there’s a feminine harmony that builds into feelings of love that are expressed in the instrumentation. The lyrics in this track do great at painting images of places the narrator has been in their travels as they’ve been, “A long way from home.” It paints a clear picture of said travels but also expresses a tale of coming back home to a lover.

Matthew Moore is an artist and producer who is based in both Los Angeles and Austin, Texas after growing up in New Zealand. He drew inspiration growing up from folk, rock n’ roll, and Americana, and the influence from these genres plays into both his musicianship and lyricism. He started as a drummer in Auckland at the age of 14, and pretty soon, he delved into songwriting and eventually learned guitar and harmonica. This is what led him to the U.S., where he took time to add mixing and engineering to his repertoire. Now, he uses these skills to craft his music exactly as he wants it.

https://musicfashionblog.com/even-the-dying-by-matthew-moore-album/

Album Review: Matthew Moore – Even the Dying

Ear To The Ground. Album Review by Greg Jones

If you’re looking for a folksy country singer songwriter, consider checking out this album from Matthew Moore. It has elements from classic folk blended with some other related genres like rock, alt country, and easy going adult contemporary.

The opening track “Even the Dying” has a unique exploration of how people look back on their life when its about to end. It’s a lyrical concept that encourages self reflection. The harmonica carries a lot of weight with this recording, giving the instrumentation a classic folksy and even country texture.

“The Castle” has a real storytellers energy to it. Fans of classic songwriters like Marty Robbins will find a lot to like about this sound. The energy of the track is deeply emotional about a marriage. The lyrical concept feels like it’s working through a fair bit of painful sentimentality.

The following “Falling in Love Tonight” has a crooning electric guitar that sets the mood of an early 90s country song. The overall production style captures a moment where you half expect to hear George Strait or Joe Diffy to come out with a line. The easy going energy of the song is fitting for the theme of falling in love. If you’ve ever had that moment where you meet someone and start feeling amazing connection right away, this track is definitely going to capture that sentiment well.

“Angela” is a track with more of a honkytonk style beat than the rest of the album. The lyrics are about a new relationship, a fresh start. It’s optimistic and endearing. The following “Old Man Lookin’ Back” reminds me of that classic line, “old man take a look at my life I’m a lot… like… you…” The song captures the feeling that we aren’t truly free because our choices are limited by our circumstances. It’s the most philosophical song on the album.

“This is Done” is the penultimate track on the album. It has an almost-pop style to it, with a bouncy rhythm. It feels like it’s from a completely different compositional place than the first few tracks on the album. The final track “Coming Back to You” brings things back around to the country heart of the album, including a plucky banjo part that brings a rootedness to the sound.

If you’re a fan of country flavored folk music, you’ll find a lot of generous variety and an enjoyable overall sound on this album from Matthew Moore.

https://www.eartothegroundmusic.co/2025/04/07/album-review-matthew-moore-even-the-dying/