After twenty-five years of covering everything from grunge’s dying gasps to the current streaming revolution, I thought I’d heard every possible reinvention story. Then Saskia Griffiths-Moore drops “Matter Of Pride” and reminds me why I still love this job.
Let me be clear: folk-to-blues transitions usually end in disaster. I’ve watched countless singer-songwriters crash and burn trying to chase authenticity they never possessed. But Griffiths-Moore pulls this off because she understands something most artists miss. It’s not about abandoning your DNA; it’s about letting it evolve naturally.
The production here is smart. No overpolished Nashville tricks or manufactured grit that screams “look how edgy I am now.” Instead, there’s a lived-in quality to the mix that suggests she’s been woodshedding with these sounds for months, maybe years. The guitar tone has that perfect balance of bite and warmth that reminds me of early Bonnie Raitt records, before the industry decided blues had to sound a certain way.
What really impresses me is her vocal approach. She’s not doing some hammy blues singer impression. The phrasing is still distinctly hers, but she’s found new pockets of rhythm and breathing space that weren’t there in her folk material. It’s the difference between someone putting on a costume and someone growing into new skin.
The track works as both a statement of intent and a damn good song. In an era where most artists are afraid to alienate their existing fanbase, Griffiths-Moore has made something that should expand it. This isn’t jumping on a trend; it’s an artist following her instincts to their logical conclusion.
Photo Credit: Saskia Griffiths-Moore
