Matching Outfits create music that feels inherently voyeuristic, as if we were eavesdropping on a series of private conversations or diary entries. The Berlin trio of Linnea Mårtensson, Rachel Glassberg, and Leah Corper favor unfiltered expressions of indie pop romanticism, and aromanticism, spiked with an acerbic perspective on heartache and affection.
On their debut Bar/None and Dreams of Field single, “No Whiskey”, the band joins forces with musician-producer Chad Matheny (Emperor X) to document the collapse of a relationship. Vivid details emerge: a trip to see Jeffrey Lewis in concert, the partner’s absence at the band’s debut album release show, destroyed con cert posters, working shifts as a bartender at a place that their ex frequents. Mårtensson’s voice is droll, dryly reciting the events, speaking more than singing. A slight percussive patter ambles along behind her, as a softly shimmering guitar rings out in the distance. It’s the sound of heartache recounted in hilarious clarity — but of course, that can only happen after the shroud of love has been loosened and cast aside.
“I wrote this song as a way to cope during that first busy month after having my heart broken,” explains Mårtensson. “Through a wedding, tour and funeral in Sweden. Our album release show. Long shifts at the bar. Turning 29. All I could think of was my love not being there. I knew it would get easier. But when?”
Listen below.
“No Whiskey” is out now via Bar/None and Dreams of Field. Follow the band on Facebook and Instagram.
