7/10

Since first emerging with his stunning breakthrough debut album 'Bad Contestant' in 2018, singer and songwriter Matt Maltese has proven himself to be one of the more prolific artists working today. Wasting no time in getting his highly-praised sophomore album 'Krystal' out last year, he is now ready to deliver a smaller but equally enjoyable dose of his smooth and enticing prose on this new EP 'madhouse', a release that continues his current direction without shaking the boat too much.

From the start of this new collection, it feels as if 'madhouse' is simply more of a continuation of his previous LP rather than a venture into the unknown and unexplored. But while it may not be the most adventurous return from him, what we get to hear on this new release is a strong and confident Maltese returning to the helm, and looking to brighten our day with some truly superb and enjoyable gems.

'madhouse' may be seen as just a placeholder in his catalogue to date, but it is still filled with bright and captivating works that have been given just as much attention as his full-length releases. Sweeping yet playful throughout, the EP makes for a throughly vibrant listen.