Matthew James Lyons + Peta Caswell

Lyons returns to The Brass Monkey to showcase songs from his debut album, Relics, along with a full band. The Sydney-based singer-songwriter’s self-produced work is his second release, following on from his EP, Everything That Was (2016).

Mixed and mastered by Emmy Award winning producer Sean Carey, Relics features 14 tracks that explore our longing for reason and purpose and the traces of joy and anguish we will leave behind – our relics. With the song at the heart of everything Lyons creates, Relics’ carefully layered instrumentations allow his tender vocals and intricate guitar stylings to be the focal point.

Inspired by the work and artistry of Paul Simon, Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Paul Kelly, Lyons’ writing displays a distinct melodicism and unique wordplay. Drawn to the emotional canvas that alt-country offered through artists such as Wilco, Gillian Welch and Ryan Adams, he finds himself tangled somewhere within the strings that tie folk and country with melodic pop. In recent years, the broad umbrella of Americana has embraced his work.

Matthew James Lyons has been writing and performing for twenty years. He has shared the stage with the likes of Jon Auer (Posies/Big Star), Christine Anu, Youth Group and Matthew Barber (Canada). He was included on the Sydney Blues & Roots Festival list of artists in 2012.

Relicsis due for a digital release in February 2021.

Peta Caswell will open the night with her powerful and distinctive voice giving an impressionable take on alt-country.