ALBUM REVIEW: “Songs for the Weary” by Matthew C. Whitaker

Today sees the release of the new album “Songs for the Weary” from Matthew C. Whitaker. Perhaps better known to many as Zpor, the humanoid singer of intergalactic travellers / band HENGE.

A talented singer, songwriter and composer, Matthew released his first album “Man With the Anvil Hat” in 2016, but since then has written, recorded and toured extensively across the UK and Europe with HENGE, releasing four albums from 2018’s debut “Attention Earth” in 2018, “ExoKosm” (2020), “Alpha Test 4” (2023) to the brilliant “Journey to Voltus B” in 2025.

HENGE is very different from his solo work, HENGE being what they call themselves as ‘space dross’ a fast, high energy brand of intergalactic hippy progressive music, whilst his solo material is more serene and delicate in nature.

In fact nature, or natural is a great way to describe the music on “Songs for the Weary” with it’s subtly yet intriguing harmonies, soft classical guitar, and warm instrumentation from subtle string arrangements and subtle, beautiful electronic elements.

Co-produced and arranged with Alan Keary (Shunya), the album also features guest musicians from his HENGE bandmates Roy Medhurst, Pete Turner, and Sam Draper to the likes of Rob Turner (GoGo Penguin, Mammal Hands, Elf Traps) and Liviu George (Matt Halsall, Elf Traps).

Opening with the instrumental Overture, a delightful and delicate string piece over a muted drum and subtle repetitive beat from wooden claves. With a bright crisp guitar line, it morphs into Mind How You Go, a slow almost lullaby-like number, wishing a traveller safe on their journey to return safe. It’s like a mellow, chilled out parent, giving instructions. It kind of washes over you with it’s melody, almost hypnotic.

Next is Chestnut Tree which was released as a single, a song packed with brightness and a jaunty attitude, particularly noticeable in the acoustic guitar lines with their dramatic plucked end sections. It’s simply delightful and just makes you want to kick back and chill.

Check out the video for Chestnut Tree on YouTube below:

My album highlight has to be Lucid Dreamer, also released as a single and the first few notes and orchestral swell had me instantly thinking of Barry Gray Orchestra’s Aqua Marina from ‘Stingray’ lol. As it built it has that wonderfully nostalgic feel of a Matt Monroe hit, something like “From Russia with love” with its luscious cinematic soundscapes and nostalgic vibe. Again mixing in strings with electronic elements, it comes together as a magnificent ethereal whole, a dreamy melody worthy of any great old filmscore.

Check out the official video for Lucid Dreamer on YouTube below:

For the Weary starts almost like an old Sergio Leone western like ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ with a single echoing whistle before being joined by an acoustic guitar. Just as you’re falling into the grips of the ‘drifter sat fireside on the plain’ feel, a muted sax from Alabaster DePlume flares up. That cowboy feel remains in the melody as it continues, dripping once again in nostalgia, at times almost making me think of the classic 1949 Rodgers & Hammerstein “Some Enchanted Evening from “South Pacific” in its styling.

With A Portrait of the Artist as an Old Man the album takes an autobiolgraphical twist an almost reflective look back on a creative career from a old musicians viewpoint/ There’s a wonderful solo, either old school bow on saw or theremin, but either way its ethereal and delightful. The lyrics have a haunting feel to them.

As the album closes there’s yet another belter in store, with Stand Up to the Man. It opens with strings and vocals, and instantly I am reminded of Paul McCartney delivering something like She’s Leaving Home from “St. Pepper”! It feels like the most mild mannered, polite protest song of all time ! The lyrics urge us to “Stand up to the man, for it’s a disgrace, whatever it takes, though your voice shakes”. Urging us (politely to fight for nature, equality, rights “Though nothing may change, protest anyway. Have something to say, though your voice shakes.” There’s no angry shouting, just mellow observation and encouragement.

Matthew C. Whitaker is very different from his alter ego Zpor. The message (eg “Get a Wiggle On”) is the same, but this is beauty personified - a delightful laid back album, something to ease back into a comfy chair and wrap yourself in. With all the chaos and confusion in the world, it’s wonderful to kick off those boots and give in to the moment.

My only observation on the album ? I’d like more, that’s all….. At around 25mins its short, but every minute is well worth it, and this is the kind of thing you just need more of.

A magnificent 9.5 from LiveWire Music.

And you can catch Matthew C. Whitaker live as he is about to hit the road to support the new album release. The live show will blend the eight delicate tracks from the new album with highlights from Whitaker’s 2016 debut, “The Man with the Anvil Hat”, alongside a solo set by Shunya and reimagined versions of some HENGE songs.

Matthew C. Whitaker (HENGE) with Shunya - LIVE

14/02 – Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club

15/02 - The Golden Lion, Todmorden

17/02 – Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom

18/02 – Edinburgh, Leith Depot

19/02 – Newcastle, Cobalt Studios

20/02 – Sheffield, Cafe No9 (SOLD OUT)

02/03 – Nottingham, The Grove

03/03 – Totnes, Barrelhouse

04/03 – Falmouth, Cornish Bank

05/03 – Bristol, The Jam Jar

07/03 – London, MOTH Club