Kiwi-raised and Naarm/Melbourne-based, Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields have both impressed me with their solo efforts, so it was inevitable that I’d fall hard for their new album of duets, I Remember You. With a natural chemistry and knack for songwriting, the pair have created some of the best music you’ll hear this year.
There’s a natural connection between the artists which is so appealing to listen to. I love the way their voices complement one another, but there’s more to love than simply their sound. There’s an electricity when they make music together, a bond that’s evident as they join their talents. Listening to poetic lyrics referencing their homeland, there’s a shared understanding that helps these songs resonate. Together they take us on a musical journey, from playful romantic numbers like the opening track “Your Heart of Gold” and “Prairie Song” to haunting songs like “No Trace” and “Dead Flowers and Stale Wine.”
As you might expect from these artists, the music is richly organic. I can imagine it sounded exactly this way when the pair laid these songs down. When so much music gets overproduced, hearing music like this that’s allowed to shine just as it was created is special.
I Remember You is out now. Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields are currently playing shows together in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Here are the remaining dates.
24 May 2024 – St Peter’s Village Hall, Paekakariki
25 May 2024 – Moons, Dunedin
26 May 2024 – Little Theatre, Gore
1 June 2024 – Ohakune Carrot Carnival 2024, Ohakune
7 June 2024 – ONEONESIX, Whangarei
8 June 2024 – Te Pahu Sound Lounge, Hamilton
14 June 2024 – Mt Eden Village Centre, Auckland
Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow and Kerryn Fields