Matt Corby’s Debut Album ‘Telluric’ Shows the Aussie Songwriter at His Best

Jordan Bailey

Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby spent over a year writing his first record and it took him a fraction of the time to throw it all out. He wasn’t satisfied with his end creation, so he scrapped it and started anew. The result was “Telluric,” a deep, introspective journey into an artist full of integrity and talent.

At the age of 16, Corby auditioned for “Australian Idol” where he would finish as the runner-up. As one might imagine, the intense fame and pressure that followed took a toll on the young man, the weight of which has remained with him to this day. He followed up his breakthrough showing on “Idol” with original songs (“Brother” and “Resolution”) that caught fire with fans outside of the TV pop world. This was quite appropriate considering Corby’s aim was to leave that stage behind and carve out a role as a genuine artist with depth. Enter his debut album “Telluric,” a project that Corby describes as a “metaphor” for human life and our relationship with the earth.

“Monday” is the first single from “Telluric” and Corby’s first release in two years. This incredibly bold track shows the singer as his most stripped down self. Instrument free, “Monday” has Corby singing nearly a cappella with only his own snaps, claps and stomps as backing. A powerful song indeed, putting forth indisputable proof that he’s ready to share a version of himself with the world, though this time, on his own terms. “Knife Edge” is the second single from the soon-to-be-released album and one that provides a nice contrast from “Monday.” This track is head bopping, in the way that late 90’s era Lauryn Hill songs were. In fact, much of this album features a noticeably soulful vibe; one that wouldn’t be out of place in a dimly lit room with your significant other. “Oh Oh Oh” follows suit along with “Sooth Lady Wine.” Both of which are soft, delicate and overflow with that certain ambiance. Corby’s made an album suitable for vinyl and listeners can almost hear that lo-fi fuzz through earbuds. His suave tone and cool lyrics lend to this notion as well. “Don’t sit out tonight/get off your phone/if you feel alright,” sings Corby on “Sooth Lady Wine.”

Corby claims Jeff Buckley as one of his main influences even covering a number of his songs including “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” and the ever-famous “Hallelujah.” He was even invited to perform at a Buckley tribute show in Sydney, Australia, where he sang the latter. “Telluric” is to be released on March 11; the same day as Buckley’s posthumous compilation called “You and I” is released.” Coincidence? Perhaps, but important nonetheless as Corby is on his way to becoming an artist just as profound as the late Buckley.

Matt Corby’s “Telluric” is available for download via iTunes on March 11.