Matthew French - Circles (2025) Hi-Res

Matthew French hails from the midwest, a landscape that holds a perspective which is showcased in the songs on his new album Circles. The title Circles is an indicator of the circular thought patterns and life cycles that we all get stuck in, and these songs represent various ways we try to break free and rebuild after we acknowledge the stuckness. The album is an optimistic blend of heartland rock and indie buoyancy that lifts the listener up, while the truthful and less-buoyant topics are sung and played out with genuineness. Banjo and pedal steel and the authentic lyrical perspectives ground it all as a solidly enjoyable Americana album.

“I’m Just a Man” sets the toner the collection with vulnerability and bare honesty. The pedal steel modestly accentuates the mournful introspection: “I’ll be damned if I’m going out like this, so I’m standing here before you with my heart in my hand. I’m just a man.”

On “A Brand New Song” the idea that when life hits you where it hurts, “it’ll lead you to a brand new song” is explored, and the touches of banjo are perfection. The title track is self-reflection as French asks whether he can still go the distance as time just keeps relentlessly passing and rolling on and on and on. This song speaks to us all as it seizes that feeling that we just keep running in circles in life, and we need to break the cycle somehow. It’s an anthem for life.

“Together Again” is another exemplary song. Loose banjo melodies create a sense of heartland nostalgia as the song muses about how to put a life back together again. Things aren’t nice and neat, and we have to pick up the pieces and keep moving. “Anymore” launches with the pointed lines: “I find myself in a familiar place, the same frightened kid with an older face, more wrinkles on this skin that I am still not comfortable in.” Excellent, piercing and relatable.