Maddi McDonald and brothers Clay, Dylan, and Sam Hooper have been gigging around their hometown of Darumbal Country/Rockhampton and beyond since 2018. They’ve shortened their name from Maddi and the Hoopers to the catchy MATH and today released their self-titled EP. I was already on board with the launch of the single “Break My Heart,” but with this latest release I’ve become an even bigger fan.
At four tracks, MATH have kept things short and sweet. It’s a smart tactic, leaving us wanting more while still showing plenty of versatility. “Break My Heart,” the EP’s closing track, is an infectiously upbeat number. From the get go, this EP shows us this band can do much more than radio-friendly fare. The EP opener “Control” is dark and brooding, the polar opposite of the lead single. “Be Loved” is a little lighter but full of longing, with a guitar solo would make John Mayer proud. I can hear John Mayer’s influence again through “Baby, We’re on Fire”. MATH admits they’re big fans and it shows. Any act could do worse than creating songs with cool guitar riffs and a similar irresistible pop-rock sensibility though. Finishing with “Break My Heart” reminded me how I instantly connected with this song, and indeed this band, months ago. The music they make is so infectiously good. Maddi McDonald is such a strong vocalist and she’s supported confidently by the Hooper brothers. They’re all tight musicians who know exactly what they need to do to make this music come to life.
MATH’s EP is out today. Make sure you take a listen. They’re playing another hometown gig at the Capricorn Food & Wine Festival supporting Busby Marou tonight, but something tells me they’ll be headlining shows all over the country soon enough.
Images used with permission from Footstomp Music