Matthew Nowhere – Crystal Heights

Crystal Heights by Matthew Nowhere is an enthusiastic and expertly produced ode to the lush soundtrack of 1980s soft rock and synth-pop. The album, which draws inspiration from OMD, Depeche Mode, and Culture Club, catches the atmosphere of the era through melodic frequencies rather than imitation. It feels like a lost decade’s treasure: dreamy, and spiritual. The production is expertly done, allowing all aspects of the music to be heard. The synths are front and center, warm, melodic, and constantly pleasant giving the record a groovy energy that runs during its entire length. Even the calmer sections have a hidden groove passing beneath them, delivering movement without dominating the music’s audio mix. What impresses out most is Nowhere’s focus on vocal melody. His tone is warm and expressive, running through the synth sounds with an analog kindness that is uncommon in modern retro-inspired music. There’s an obvious talent for here, and the songs are as beautiful with catchy refrains and thematic ideas. My favorite track, “Love Is Only What We Are,” is the album’s powerful centerpiece. The lyrics of this six-minute spiritual pop epic are direct, facing sadness, emptiness, and strength with simplicity. Its chorus (“This love is only who we are”) develops into a gentle, bright truth, emerging from a multilayered orchestration that shows the warmth of a forgotten radio station playing on a rainy night. Crystal Heights is more than just a nostalgia workout; it’s a fully developed concept album. It’s like looking through a dusty photo album on a light-speed train into one’s own heart. Each song takes the listener to a place of softness, pain, and hope.