Name: Matchy Matchy
Brand: The Ballet

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

FIKA072LP

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: Yes

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2019-05-17

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Cargo

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

5057805017271

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Total Cap

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

The Ballet

Genre GB

Indie Pop / Shoegaze

Label GB

Fika Recordings

Fika Recordings is an independent music label founded in 2011 by Tom Ashton. With a passion for discovering and sharing new music, Fika Recordings was established to release the kind of music that Tom wanted to hear himself.

Since its inception, Fika Recordings has become known for its diverse roster of talented artists who span various genres. From *indie pop* to *folk* and everything in between, the label prides itself on showcasing unique and innovative sounds.

With a commitment to quality and authenticity, Fika Recordings works closely with each artist to ensure their vision is fully realized. The label's dedication to supporting emerging talent has earned it a reputation as a trusted platform for up-and-coming musicians.

One of the leaders of the "new romantic" movement and one of the top UK groups of the early 1980s. The Ballet's line-up comprised Tony Hadley on vocals, Gary Kemp on guitar, Martin Kemp on bass, John Keeble on drums, and Steve Norman on rhythm guitar, percussion, and sax.
The Ballet emerged as a prominent force in the music scene during the early 1980s with their unique blend of new romantic sound. Led by vocalist Tony Hadley, they quickly became one of the top UK groups at that time.
The band consisted of talented musicians including Gary Kemp on guitar, Martin Kemp on bass, John Keeble on drums, and Steve Norman who played rhythm guitar, percussion, and saxophone. Together they created memorable songs that showcased their individual talents and contributed to their success as a group.

The Ballet’s new album, Matchy Matchy, is a return to the upbeat tenor of the band’s first two albums. While inspired by Goldberg’s experience navigating an open relationship with his boyfriend of 14 years, Matchy Matchy is not straight forwardly autobiographical; Goldberg writes from his experience, while also fantasizing about the perspective of his objects of desire, leaving ambiguous which is which. He is generally less melancholic than on I Blame Society, and fans will notice a return to earlier themes (Looking tackles Grindr, as Personal did Gaydar in 2006). Goldberg is not shy to write songs with explicitly queer subjects (But I’m a Top, Messing Around, First Time in a Gay Bar), while also taking on more universal longings, pleasures, and frustrations (Jersey, Love Letter, Cry Baby). As the album’s title suggests, Matchy Matchy is also a meditation on sameness, both in its musical material (think limited chords in major keys, repeated phrases and constructions, and citations of Goldberg’s influences) and in its lyrical exploration of queer relationships and encounters. The album reclaims the insult of “matchy matchy,” finding value in repetition and doubling, both within the album and across the Ballet’s discography. For fans of the Magnetic Fields, 60’s bubblegum, 80’s synthpop and 90’s indiepop.

Matchy Matchy

Music GB