San Diego-based artist Matthew Phillips presents Till Its Over, an album that blends vocal dance, EDM, pop, and alternative influences into a cohesive project shaped by melodic intensity and emotional storytelling. Known for pairing electronic elements with cinematic soundscapes and hook-driven songwriting, Phillips continues to build on the momentum generated by his breakout years, reaffirming the qualities that have positioned him among Southern California’s most notable rising acts. This release stands as a high-quality body of work that we are pleased to host and explore through this review.
The album opens with its lead single, “Till Its Over,” a track that recently surged in visibility, pushing Phillips’ monthly streams from 1,000 to 12,000 on Spotify in just a few days. Built on a rhythmic foundation that merges EDM-inspired pulse with a pop-rock backbone, the song establishes the record’s sonic identity from the first beat. The rhythm section relies on a steady four-on-the-floor pattern enhanced by crisp hi-hat sequencing and layered percussive textures. This foundation supports an energetic yet emotionally charged melodic arrangement, creating a sense of movement that carries the listener through the track’s evolving structure.
Synth work plays a central role throughout the album, with pads and arpeggios adding dimension to tracks that lean into the electronic dance sphere. In “Till Its Over,” shimmering synth leads intertwine with atmospheric swells, shaping a bright but wistful tone. These electronic elements avoid overpowering the organic instrumentation, instead offering a cinematic complement to Phillips’ expressive vocal lines. His guitar presence—already recognized by top manufacturers such as Fender, Ernie Ball, Taylor, Seymour Duncan, and Walrus Audio—adds a contrasting warmth, especially in the subtly integrated solo sections that bridge the electronic and alternative aesthetics.
“Time Fades Love,” another major highlight, reinforces the album’s rhythmic sophistication. The track’s beat construction revolves around a hybrid pattern: part EDM momentum, part pop-ballad softness. Its rhythmic restraint leaves space for melodic development, placing the vocals at the forefront while allowing the synth layers to swell and recede in dynamic waves. The live energy captured during the filming of its official music video—shot in front of a packed audience—translates into the track’s arrangement, which balances tension and release through evolving chord progressions and incremental rhythmic intensification. The atmosphere is both expansive and intimate, shaped by reverb-soaked guitars and airy electronic textures.
“So In Love,” one of Phillips’ earlier successes, contributes a more melodic and anthemic presence to the album’s overall atmosphere. The rhythmic approach here leans into dance-pop territory, with brighter synth motifs and a driving beat that emphasizes forward momentum. The interplay between guitar arpeggios and electronic accents forms a compelling soundscape that supports the emotional core of the composition. Across these standout tracks, Phillips demonstrates a consistent ability to merge melodic immediacy with atmospheric depth.
Throughout Till Its Over, the atmosphere remains a defining feature. Each track is constructed with a cinematic sensibility, using synth pads, reverberant guitar tones, and layered vocal harmonies to build large, immersive environments. This sense of spatiality gives the album a unified identity, even as it moves between pop, rock, alternative, and dance influences. The production emphasizes clarity and movement, allowing rhythmic details—such as subtle sidechain effects, syncopated percussion hits, and rising electronic transitions—to enhance the emotional trajectory of each piece.
Phillips’ recent achievements provide further context for the album’s impact. Following major viral moments, including over 500,000 views on the “Till Its Over” music video and the rapid rise of “Time Fades Love,” his recognition at the San Diego Music Awards, where he won “Best Pop Artist,” highlights the growing resonance of his work. His headline performance at the Belly Up in Solana Beach and strong live presence reinforce the musical qualities found on the album: energy, connection, and atmospheric richness.
Till Its Over stands as a polished and expressive release that reflects the evolution of a rising artist whose blend of rhythmic precision, synth-driven atmosphere, and melodic songwriting continues to captivate audiences. It is a project crafted with care, vision, and a clear sense of artistic identity.