The moment ‘Say’ kicks in - the new single from Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist Mathien, it’s instantly apparent that you’ve stumbled across something special. Citing pop, rock, funk, hip-hop, and soul as reference points, his irresistibly soulful, sun-drenched new single is an absolute joy to behold. “Infectious” is a term thrown around all too much these days, but it wouldn’t be a stretch to label ‘Say’ with that adjective. It’s such a pleasure to hear an artist enjoying themselves, making music which clearly they were born to make. No doubt that Mathien, somewhere down the line, will have been influenced by soul greats like Curtis Mayfield, but some of instrumentation on display here veers towards the funkier side of the likes of The Bar-Kays, or The Brothers Johnson. “Did you ever think you'd be bored / you'd be worn / you’d be tired of the same old thing?” Mathien croons in the track’s opening line; all we can say is we won’t get tired of this. -JC