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"From out of the dark"

From Out Of The Dark

From out of the dark is a collection of 6 songs finished during the infamous Covid lockdown of 2020, drawing musical influences from many different genres and based on different themes close to my heart.

Some with a narrative, others about how I felt a particular junction in life, playing music, writing and recording songs has been a great outlet for me and helped me deal with and express myself in a productive fashion.

With no single genre over the six songs I decided to put them out as From out of the dark, to show how something good can come from the darkness. I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed making them.

I appreciate so much all the friends and family who have helped critique these tracks ready for public consumption. Thanks also to my younger sister, Hannah, for providing her vocal talents and lyric writing on two of the songs.

Please listen below and follow me on all of my social networks using the links above.

Matt x

#StarWars The Clone Wars: Wild Space Mini Book Review


The Clone Wars: Wild Space is the second in the series of Clone Wars books, tying in and around the TV series of the same name. This book is written by Karen Miler and tells the story of the unlikely partnership of Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi and Galactic Senator Bail Organa, when, after receiving intelligence from an unknown yet previously trustworthy source of Organa's, journey past even the outer rim into Wild Space to investigate rumors of a Sith Holocron's existence within a temple on the planet of Zigoola. Little do they know they're springing a trap concocted by mastermind Palpatine, who hopes to see the downfall of Kenobi and Organa in one fell swoop.

As the two reach the planet, Obi Wan is tormented with disturbing visions pushed upon him by the Sith, forcing him to crash land the ship with the duo barely escaping with their lives. Now, stranded on this Sith haven, Obi Wan and Bail must journey to the Sith Temple on limited supplies and with Obi-Wan constantly tormented by his visions. Navigating harsh terrain and a frosty relationship between the pair, the journey from crash to temple is a real struggle that tests our unlikely team to the maximum.

What I enjoyed about this book was the portrayal of Senator Organa - he's often quite placid and restrained within the TV series, and the book explores some of his darker traits. He has a wry witt and sarcastic tone as he communes with the politician loathing Jedi knight, and the pair often rub each other the wrong way. As the story progresses, both characters learn from each other, making concessions and eventually develop a strong bond and even friendship. The cultivation of this relationship is really well done, and I found myself becoming more fond of both characters as the story progressed.

Though technically, not a lot happens, the adventure is an exciting read. How Organa must assist as Obi-Wan pushes his body to the limits just trying to move as he's subjected to ever increasing torment is quite engrossing. I would've liked more exploration of the Sith Temple and artifacts, but due to Kenobi's state this wouldn't have really been possible.

In addition to the main story, the book fits well into the canon of events, and describes fleetingly but successfully what Anakin and his Padowan are up to whilst Kenobi and Bail are on Zigoola, with lines quoted directly from the TV show. It somehow manages to expand on these relationships too, and somehow makes the universe seem more real.

The story advances at a nice pace, and has short chapters making it an easy read. It's exciting and interesting at all times, well written and fits in will within the wider universe and the canon. Recommended for any Star Wars fans and in particular fans of the Clone Wars era of stories.

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