The follow up to 2005’s intense and haunting ‘SirenWire69’ sees Matthews further develop her unusual musical sensibilities. The equally effective and engaging ‘Bruiser’ is in some ways a more startling accomplishment than it’s predecessor with new instruments and musical styles added to the experimental mix. From the out and out industrial barrage of ‘Hushed Corrosive’, to the sinister undertow of ‘Lifelore’, this cd winds it’s way through the medieval-esque folk recorders of ‘Fortune’, insistent rhythmic guitars of ‘Flinch’, hypnotic piano of ‘Ellipse-Dream’ and the gentle beauty of ‘Summer’s Over’, all bookended by the fragile sadness of ‘Mbox’ and ‘Mbox 2’ ‘Bruiser’ is an impressively diverse collection of musical experimentations. A starkly personal exploration that challenges you to uncover it’s secrets over multiple listens. It’s hardly surprising then that 2006 has proven to be a hugely significant year for Matthews. Her work has been showcased in galleries and festivals throughout Europe, America and Asia. She has received radio airplay in over 70 countries, has collaborated with poets and film-makers and contributed to a variety of compilations. ‘Bruiser’ promises to not just build on these considerable acheivements but leave it’s own indellible mark...