Album Review: Matt Corby - Rainbow Valley

It feels like there should really be more albums under Matt Corby’s belt, given the bandying about of the young gent’s name and music this past near decade. As one of the many to rise from the ashes of commercial TV singing competitions, the former Sydneysider has enjoyed an instant following and success as a result of eschewing the path of the pop star and letting his natural blues bend and raw talent shine with breakout tracks Brother, Resolution and then debut album Telluric in 2016.

His latest, Rainbow Valley, takes a silky stroll into a slightly more avant-garde realm with some splashes of psychedelic rock amidst his usual rootsy crooners and gospel-backed ballads. First single No Ordinary Life is a clear assertion of Corby shirking off expectations with its dreamy strings and uplifting lyrical journey. It’s a bold and refreshing proclamation to listeners old and new that the reins are firmly in his hands this time around. Other tracks delight in this off-kilter, kaleidoscopic record – New Day Coming, All That I See, Elements – but the piano-drenched Light My Dart Up, vocal powerhouse All Fired Up, and smooth ballad Miracle Love all bridge ties to Corby’s previous standouts.