Last year, MATTHÚ—the side project of Kevin Bush from sibling synthwave duo Immortal Girlfriend—released a total of one song. However, that solitary track (a follow-up single to 2022’s tremendous Montana called “Lasso”) proved to be exceptional, as it showcased a side of the endeavor we hadn’t heard before and earned the distinction of being one of our favorite Milwaukee songs of 2024.
Today, MATTHÚ’s limited-yet-stunning body of work increased by one more song with the release of “Oxen.” Both the new single and its accompanying video display a lighter side of the emotionally-driven project. Musically, it’s a decidedly upbeat offering with vibrant guitars, hushed vocals, and a sound that seems to land somewhere between Bon Iver and INXS in the best way possible. Past collaborator Will Hansen of Old Pup once again provides some lap steel to the mix. Visually, the Jennell Jenney-directed video shows Bush goofing off and boot-scooting in front of a barn as he sings and strums along to his track.
Bush tells Milwaukee Record the song’s theme about working together to make a relationship thrive (much like two oxen capably carrying a heavy load) aligns with other imagery in his forthcoming album, which he says is “coming soon.” As we anxiously wait for more MATTHÚ, enjoy “Oxen” and its farm-to-table music video below.