REVIEW: Matt Maltese | Scala Headline | Debut Album 'Bad Contensant'

Matt Maltese performed his largest show to date at Scala this week, ahead of his debut album, ‘Bad Contestant,’ released today with Atlantic Records.

The entire night conveyed Maltese’s ironic cheesy ‘hopeless romantic’ style on stage that has become his signature character in his latest releases. Clad in a bright pink velvet suit, and behind him a huge lit up heart, Maltese is almost presents us a different stage character, making his story-telling style songs even more enjoyable. His broody vocal technique mixed with his funky lyrics compliment perfectly the stage behind him.

Matt’s vocals and tunes are not comparable to others performing in similar size venues today, which is why we know his bold originality will take him far. The lyrics themselves resonate with delight and fun, with a touch of misery. The sarcasm infused with the songs add an amusing edge to his music, and relatable to a young audience, like his song ‘Sweet 16’ which rhetorically asks, ‘Who said the internet was good for getting on with your life?’

Opening with ‘Life A Fish,’ the sound was reminiscent of New York City style jazz club, with smooth melodies, and keys and drums providing a steady accompaniment. His album also features more upbeat songs such as ‘Guilty,’ where whilst the lyrics are somewhat regrettful (‘There she goes slipping through my fingers / I had a choice and I chose guilty,’) he still manages to make it a feel good song easy to sway along to.

Aside from the initial glamorous stage presentation, Maltese didn’t need anything more than his voice to keep the audience’s attention however. He stayed behind his box style piano for the entire night, with the exception of his title track ‘Bad Contestant’ where he came out to the crowd more.

His closing song ‘As The World Caves In’ saw the release of a heart shaped balloon, just to reaffirm to the audience his satirical approach to love in his album, in case we weren’t sure yet!

Fun is the only word that can truly surmise the night for those who missed it, so I definitely recommend catching him on one of his numerous festival appearances this summer!

Photos: Linda Brindley

‍