A serene showcase of fingerstyle guitar work fit for fireside seasonal contemplation, The Cold Nights of Late December is a new EP from M.Haiux. The Liverpool, UK-based project of guitarist Matthew McPartlan enchants with a balance of lushness and entrancement, suitable for both background comforts and immersive listening experiences.
Taking inspiration from John Fahey’s Christmas albums and Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, The Cold Nights of Late December compels in its successful vibe and melodic navigation. “The festive season evokes a lot of memories, both magical and melancholic.” McPartlan says. “I wanted to capture the essence of those cold December nights, where every moment feels both fleeting and timeless.”
Lovely subtle doses of Christmas-time flair — like the sleigh-bell feeling in “A Cursed Merriment” — are within, though largely the EP provides an inviting fingerstyle guitar emphasis that can be enjoyed at any point in the year. Standout track “Saint Joseph” hypnotizes in its mixture of frolicking guitars and a steady plucking pulse, taking inspiration from the artist’s recollections of schooltime Nativity plays. Meanwhile, the ensuing “Midnight Serenity” charms with tender guitar work whose tonal consistencies are ideal for watching the snow fall, or sitting by the Christmas tree. The Cold Nights of Late December is a lovely accompaniment for the chilly months ahead.
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“Saint Joseph” is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
