A Matter of Time (Shed Seven album) explained

A Matter of Time
Type:	studio
Artist:	Shed Seven
Cover:	Shed Seven - A Matter of Time.png
Studio:	Space Mountain (Spain)
Genre:	Britpop
Length:	50:10
Label:	Cooking Vinyl
Producer:	Youth
Prev Title:	Instant Pleasures
Prev Year:	2017

A Matter of Time is the sixth studio album by British rock band Shed Seven. It was released on 5 January 2024 through Cooking Vinyl Limited. The album marks their first studio release in over six years.

Background

The announcement of A Matter of Time arrived alongside the lead single release of "Kissing California" on 13 July 2023. Produced by Youth, the band took a "nostalgic journey back to [their] roots", delving into the sounds that ignited their passion "for song-writing at the tender age of 12".^[1] As a result, Shed Seven reconnected with classic albums from their youth in order to get inspired.^[2] Release of the album coincides with the band's 30th anniversary, having released their debut album Change Giver in 1994.^[3]

Four other singles were release prior to the album - F:K:H, In Ecstasy, Starlings and Talk of the Town.

Pete Doherty featured on vocals for the album's closing song, Throwaways.

After topping the Album Chart in its first week, the album dropped to No.29 the following week.

Critical reception

Buzz Feed's Billy Edwards described the album as "strikingly immediate, accessible and fun".

Robin Murray of Clash Music reported that A Matter of Time was "remarkably effective" and noted the band had "sculpted some fine guitar tunes, blending subtle melancholy with surging choruses, and a kind of everyman wisdom."

RGM's Sam Bandock provided a track-by-track review, exclaiming "‘A Matter of Time’ is a wonderful album that just goes to show that Shed Seven have only become more complete as musicians over the years. The passion can be heard in every track and it is a solid listening experience."

Writing for Financial Times, Ludovic Hunter-Tilney thought that the lyrics "resemble flat-pack-assembled Britpop slogans", calling the music "meat-and-potatoes rock". However, Hunter-Tilney argued that Witter sings "heartily", while the bandmates "play with crispness and energy".

Personnel

Shed Seven

• Rick Witter – vocals, male harmony vocals, blossom tree photo
• Paul Banks – guitars, male harmony vocals, piano on "Starlings", back sleeve photo
• Tom Gladwin – bass, male harmony vocals
• Maxi – drums, percussion, male harmony vocals
• Tim Wills – keyboards, additional acoustic guitars

Additional musicians

• Violeta Vicci – strings
• Mary Pearce – backing vocals
• Beverly Skeete – backing vocals
• Rowetta – guest vocals on "In Ecstasy"
• Laura McClure – guest vocals on "Tripping With You"
• Peter Doherty – guest vocals on "Throwaways"

Technical

• Youth – production
• Frank Arkwright – mastering
• Cenzo Townshend – mixing
• Michael Rendall – engineering, string arrangements
• Rob Sellens – mixing assistance
• Camden Clarke – mixing assistance
• Elliot Verreux Debris – engineering assistance

Visuals

• Tommy Evans – artwork
• Barnaby Fairley – photography

Notes and References

1. Web site: Shed Seven announce brand new album A Matter of Time. Connell. Dylan. The Press. 13 July 2023. 11 January 2024.
2. Web site: Shed Seven set to score first-ever Number 1 album with A Matter of Time. Colothan. Scott. Absolute Radio. 9 January 2024. 11 January 2024.
3. Web site: Shed Seven set for first-ever Number 1 album with A Matter of Time. Smith. Carl. Official Charts Company. 8 January 2024. 11 January 2024.