Matthew and the Atlas

Matthew and the Atlas, a British folk rock band formed in Aldershot, marks the tenth anniversary of its albums Temple and Temple Unplugged in this concert, with AK Patterson in support.

Matthew and the Atlas is a British folk rock band formed in Aldershot, whose music rests on multi-instrumental arrangements. The project is led by Hampshire-based songwriter Matt Hegarty, one of the first artists signed to Communion Records. Across seven albums released over fifteen years, it has moved from acoustic folk to synth-led electronica and guitar-driven alternative rock. The band has toured the UK, Europe and the United States, sharing bills with acts including Mumford & Sons, Bear's Den and The Civil Wars, and Q Magazine coined the tag "British Bon Iver" for it. Their first album, Other Rivers, came out in 2014.

Temple was recorded in Nashville in 2015 with the production duo Foreign Fields and released in April 2016, with the fan favourite Elijah among its songs. Later that year, the band re-recorded the material with producer Ian Grimble, working with acoustic guitar, harp, clarinet, banjo, piano and double bass. The resulting album, Temple Unplugged, appeared in December 2016 and has since become the record audiences mention most at live shows.

This concert features Hegarty alongside longtime collaborators Emma Gatrill and Alex Roberts as a three-piece, celebrating the tenth anniversary of both records. Temple Unplugged is performed in full, alongside songs from across the band's catalogue. AK Patterson takes the support slot. Grand Junction, on Rowington Close, mainly hosts concerts, with a programme centred on jazz.