Nathaniel Clark – A&E Editor

nuc5002@psu.edu

Photo Credit: awful treasures inc.

After a short delay, comedian and gaming Youtuber Matt Watson released his debut studio album “SEE YOU THERE” on November 7. This is Matt’s second foray into the music industry, coming more than two years after the release of his “OUCH!” EP. The album consists of 12 songs that come out to around 40 minutes of music. 

I was originally quite hesitant to listen to the record, fearing that it would just sound like your basic cookie-cutter “Youtuber Music:” a cheap cash grab in the realm of Jake Paul’s and Bhad Bhabie’s musical output. I can happily say that is not the case with Matt Watson as his new album oozes effort. 

“SEE YOU THERE” can be definitely placed in the genre of bedroom pop. With its lo-fi production style and melancholia, the record feels like Matt crafted it with whatever he had available. That is not a negative on the album though as the project’s overall sound works well with Matt’s more monotone vocal range. 

The album opens with “STARSTUD” featuring an exciting appearance of Sarah from Kero Kero Bonito. The two make a surprisingly great pair as the two play star-crossed lovers with heavy vocal modulation.

 “Work It Out” has Matt pleading to a lover that they need to try to make their relationship work. “WACKY” uses the allusion of an inflatable tube man to describe how a crush makes the protagonist feel even though their want is not reciprocated. 

The album’s main single, “Ring Pop” is a pop rap cut that has grown on me since the first listen. The feature from Awful Records frontman Father is an excellent audition. The most glitchy cut from the record is “STUPID.” While the effects are overbearing, they work well to sell the pain. The album closes on its highest note with “NEBRASKA” where Matt interpolates “Work It Out” to close the record.

While I do enjoy this record, I will say it is nothing overly original. I have heard countless other musicians do the same thing Matt Watson does on this album. My hope is that Matt Watson progresses past this point for his next record. In essence, Matt Watson shows potential. I hope he shines on his next musical output.