Pre-order the debut EP, "Effigy" at: sanmatthaus.bandcamp.com

"Effigy" is a collection of four songs that span both a musical and emotional arc. The order of these songs yields an intentional narrative that follows a path from reflection on loss to examination, and then introspection that ultimately leads to catharsis. The EP’s title song and opening track opens by positing a poignant question to the listener: do you even know my name? The ensuing 20 minutes of “Effigy” are an attempt to answer this opening question and a resolution isn’t realized until the closing minute of the last song, “Letters”.

Through unique orchestration and songwriting, Matthäus creates an EP that is engaging on multiple levels. At any time during “Effigy”, listeners can expect to hear bass clarinet, vibraphone, and French horn, paired with a standard rock rhythm section. The result is a seamless blending of Reich-inspired chamber music with modern greats like Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens.

To The Years

Lyrics:
I will run to Goshen
I will seek. 
Nothing found.
I will leave if you need

I will give you Lower Park
I don't need your Acre house

Leave the Lower Park gate wide
See all that's inside

I will run to the sea
I believe in nothing free
I have seen your Gospelry

Leave the Lower Park gate wide
See all that's inside
Know it won't just die
Keep it alive

I brought everything you said
It's hear if you need

Leave the Lower Park gate wide
See all that's inside
Know it won't just die
Grow. Become defined.

Lower Goshen Park

Letters

Effigy

Engineered by Stephen Shirk at Shirk Studios in Chicago, IL

Written by Benjamin Montalbano
Horn Arrangement by Alex Blomarz

Song Credits:
Alex Blomarz - Bass Clarinet
Lars-Erik Larson - Drums
Joe Meland - Piano/Vox
Benjamin Montalbano - Guitar/Vox/Pump Organ
Justin Peters - Pitched Percussion
Shelby Pollard - Lap Steel
Chris Shuttleworth - Trombone
Hugo Seda - French Horn
John Sutton - Bass

Before You Said Goodbye

MATTHAÜS // began as a project of composer Ben Montalbano of Chicago, Illinois. With strong roots in folk and bluegrass as well as a music conservatory education, Montalbano started writing simple songs that served as templates to experiment with orchestration. As the songs began to take more form, Montalbano enlisted an array of like-minded artists to record and perform.

After a debut performance featuring a nine-piece ensemble, the group has continued to play with the size-and makeup of the group. Performances have consisted of Montalbano solo, as well as numerous combinations of instrumentalists. With their debut EP currently in the works, Matthäus has expanded to a collective collaboration, allowing further avenues of influence.

With roots in Chicago and St. Paul, Matthäus aims to capture the thoughtfulness and expressivity of contemporary classical music while maintaining a place in the world of rock and folk.Through unique orchestration and songwriting, Matthäus creates music that is engaging on multiple levels. At any time, listeners can expect to hear bass clarinet, vibraphone, and French horn, paired with a standard rock rhythm section. The result is a seamless blending of Reich-inspired chamber music with modern greats like Bon Iver or Sufjan Stevens.

Matthäus

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