Matthew Connor is a crooner for the 21st century, writing heart-wrenching songs that combine the windswept ideals of classic American balladry with stark depictions of modern-day alienation. The Boston-based Connor has a haunting voice that conjures ghosts of past heartbreaks, and he pairs it with spectral guitars that recall country tearjerkers and alt-pop brooding. Connor, who also writes film scores, has proven himself adept at crafting intricately wrought mood music that grabs the most painful parts of his listeners’ souls, then soothes those wounds with his knowing lyrics and evocative voice. —Maura Johnston

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