Matthew Sturgess, who performs as ‘The Silver Reserve’, plays delicate, sparse music on a classical guitar, crafting intricate melodies around thoughtful and evocative lyrics. At times creating dense, layered atmospherics, this is music that doesn’t rush and takes its sweet, sad time to unfurl and sneak under the skin.
We all need a back-up, right? Something we keep in reserve for bolster and balance. A stockpile of what we most need when we most need it. The Silver Reserve is the solo vehicle for songwriter Matthew Sturgess whose beautifully crafted songs take their time to mesmerise, sooth, jolt and enchant. Beauty, darkness, hope, and joy are carefully observed in lyrics that celebrate the detail of living, and feel instantly recognisable and authentic. Melody and harmony thrive in delicate guitar driven arrangements and complex soundscapes. A performance finds you holding your breath. It’s music that gets into your bones.
Quotes:
“I have fallen in love with The Silver Reserve. Songs of warmth and beauty that scratch at the inside of your heart. In a world that sits heavy on your chest, this is music that reminds you how to breathe.’ Thea Gilmore (Cooking Vinyl)
“Miniature masterpieces amid towering sonic architecture.” Louis Brennan
“Beautiful, fragmentary songs which slowly dismantle you.” Seamus Fogarty (Domino Records/Fence Collective)
“I really love Matthew’s stuff. His music has always been gorgeous but live he’s better than ever. The Brudenell show was pretty much a masterclass on every level.” Thomas White (The Waeve, The Electric Soft Parade) on opening set for The Waeve in Leeds.
“Perfectly bleak beauty….. a hugely talented songwriter.” Simon Godley (God is in the TV)
“Blending emotive, affecting lyrics and spacious delicately crafted guitar work, these beguiling songs hold a depth of hidden treasures.” – Marc Walton (Seven Arts)
“Quietly spellbinding.” – Andy Brown (Soundlab)
“Incredible talent…everything he played begged to be listened to.” – Bill Adamson (Hint of Mayhem)
“Quirky and haunting.” – Ed Harrington (Leeds Living)
“We were beyond lucky to have had Matthew open for us in Saltaire this past Summer. The mark of a great artist is not being able to describe anyone that they sound like. He is truly one of a kind. We were just as happy to get to hear his Earthy, introspective set as our audience was. His musicianship, voice, and pedal-use was truly remarkable.” – Della Mae (Rounder Records)
‘Weaving a melancholy and fiercely personal web of honest, beautiful dark-folk, often using loops and effects to create a patient, hypnotic drama that is entirely immersive.’ The Velvet Sheep
