According to the press notes for the new single by Copenhagen-based artist Mattis, this young man used to be a punk rocker. It’s a throwaway detail, all told, especially when you hear the whirling electronic pop that he lends his versatile voice to. But it feels appropriate considering how daring he is with his songwriting, throwing a soulful, James Blake-like bent in with skybursting falsetto, and an emotional openness that lots of artists in his position might shy away from. The spirit of punk rock’s willingness to try new things is deep within him even if he’s left out the liberty spikes and rabid barks.
