Interviews About Albums: MATW - Through The Looking Glass (2025)

In this new interview, we sat down with the French Alternative Metal/Punk/Rock band MATW to ask questions about their album, "Through The Looking Glass".

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Endless Loop and Through The Looking Glass (released last year) were recorded at the same time, in the same way, originally intended to be one single album.

We’re really pleased with the result; it’s, to date, our most advanced, accomplished, and mature project.

We recorded and mixed it ourselves in Florian's (lead guitarist) home studio, which allowed us to take our time and get to where we wanted to go.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

We chose Endless Loop as the title of the album because it represents the eternal cycle in life. It’s the alternation between moments of happiness and sorrow, joy and pain. There’s also a continuity with its cover and the cover of the previous EP, which form a "Loop."

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Some tracks had been partially written for many years, mainly by Yanis, who is a relentless composer, he never stops. We usually start with a guitar riff that we really like and build around it.

Then comes the bass and drums, and Yanis already has an idea of the lyrics and the theme he wants to explore.

For this EP, since it was just the two of us at the beginning (Yanis and Florian), we basically composed everything together, including the guitars, bass, and drums. When Thomas and Léo joined the band, they were able to add their own touches and ideas.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Yanis: My favorite track is probably HANG BACK, for all the different atmospheres it has, but I love them all. It's hard to choose.

Flo: For me, without a doubt, November Pain. The subject matter, the atmosphere of the track, the lyrics, the violins at the end... I also have to mention that I first heard the demo in full acoustic version, and it gave me goosebumps.

Thomas: Lost for me. The melody of the chorus is just incredible (though I am a fan of melodic punk, so that helps a bit).

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

There isn’t necessarily a specific message, the themes of our tracks are quite varied. We often touch on personal self-reflection or critique of modern society, or even some inner struggles, like a battle against oneself.

There are also more personal tracks, like November Pain, which speaks about the loss of a loved one.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

The lyrics of Hang Back, probably, or those of November Pain.

Actually, it’s very hard to choose, because they all address different themes that are important to us.

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank specially?

Our influences are diverse and varied. We listen to BMTH, Otis Redding, Michael Jackson, The Offspring, or even Backstreet Boys, haha. We don’t want to box the band into a specific style and limit our creativity just because it has to sound a certain way. When we write a riff, if we like it, that’s enough for us to turn it into a track. We think it’s a shame to restrict ourselves to one particular style. Of course, there will always be that common thread of Punk / Metal / Hardcore / Pop, but honestly, call it whatever you want lol Laetitia Vinet is a friend who helps us correct certain mistakes in English and with whom we brainstorm phrasing to make the text more interesting. She truly contributed to all the lyrics to improve them, and we are incredibly grateful to her for that.

8. Something to add?

We’re planning to release an acoustic album where we’ll revisit some tracks from our last two EPs. It’s something that’s close to our hearts because we absolutely love that atmosphere. There will probably also be new tracks coming, so stay tuned!