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.
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".[3] As a result, Shed Seven reconnected with classic albums from their youth in order to get inspired.[4] Release of the album coincides with the band's 30th anniversary, having released their debut album Change Giver in 1994.[5]
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.
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".[6]
All lyrics are written by Rick Witter; all music is composed by Paul Banks.
Shed Seven
Additional musicians
Technical
Visuals